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Stay cool, Stay Clutch? Quite literally this time. The fan clutch is the fuel keeper and the cooling guard of your engine. However, diagnosing its deterioration is complex, given the number of components involved in your HVAC system. Thereby, we bring you this blog to guide you through the process. Welcome to Kal Partz Blogs! your arbiter in heavy-duty trucking. In this blog, we’ll learn about fan clutch functions, its importance, when and where to get a replacement.
Fan Clutch Duties
Your fan clutch is a thermostatic device that engages and disengages the engine cooling fan, based on the temperature of the air flowing through the radiator. Essentially, regulating the amount of air snagged from the radiator for cooling.
There are two types of Fan Clutches; Thermal Fan Clutch and Non-Thermal.
The one most commonly utilized for your heavy-duty needs is Thermal Fan Clutch.
How does it work?
The thermal fan inside is equipped with a silicone-laden fluid, next to a bi-metallic coil that reacts to temperature. When the engine heats up, the coil expands and when it is cool, the coil stays contracted. In reaction to heat, it opens a valve through which the silicone fluid- a high viscosity oil flows into the operating room, generating shear force.
This shear force is transferred from the engine to the fans, engaging them to spin at a way faster speed, eventually cooling down the engine.
Once the engine cools down, the valve closes and the fans disengage as the fluid drains back into the operating room.
Importance
Cooling plays an extremely vital role when it comes to keeping your vehicle’s overall components protected and alive. Fan clutch as a component of the cooling system makes it possible for your engine to operate optimally even in harsh and scorching conditions. It enhances fuel efficiency by taking the load off of your engine, prevents overheating the truck’s engine and critical parts, reduces wear & tear of cooling fans and makes long-haul more comfortable by reducing unnecessary noises.
Signs your Fan Clutch Needs a Replacement
Consider checking the fan clutch every 50,000 miles and planning for a replacement between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. Or as specified by manufacturer’s specifications.
- Oily-greasy residue or corrosion around the fan clutch body is a sign of leakage. Physical damage warrants replacement.
- Unusual sounds like clunking or grinding from the engine or fans. Upon visual inspection the fan clutch may not appear damaged but internal wear is possible.
- Fan engagement malfunction, indicated by frequent overheating of the engine, especially under in-stop or go traffic and load.
- Speed dysregulation or loosening of the fans (clutch or mounting failure).
- Decreased response or no response to temperature changes.
- A lot of temperature fluctuation reading from the gauge that indicates inconsistent cooling efficiency.
- Sudden increase in fuel consumption and combustion.
- Disengagement failures, indicated by Excessive cooling or overcooling.
Recommendations
Some reputable brands and aftermarket parts suppliers you can buy from that ensure durability and reliability- Delco Remy, Automann, Polyforce, Kit Masters, Dayco, Horton etc.
Where to Buy?
Find the perfect match for your heavy-duty truck’s cooling needs with Kal Partz!
Explore a range of esteemed industry brands like Delco Remy and Automann, next to an avail of several aftermarket solutions at www.kalpartz.com
Call us at Toll Free: 800-832-0092 to place your order and gain expert advice.
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