What does a fan clutch do on a water pump?
A fan clutch is a temperature-controlled coupling between the water pump shaft and the fan which allows the fan to be operational at low speeds and disconnected at higher speeds.
What are the different types of fan clutches?
Types of Fan Clutches. The main types are non-thermal, thermal, and electronic — all of which use a silicone fluid to engage and disengage your fan. Non-thermal clutches operate solely based on the shaft speed of the water pump. At low and idling speeds, the clutch allows the fan blade to turn at almost a 1:1 ratio.
What’s the difference between thermal and non thermal fan clutches?
However, non-thermal clutches are a lower-cost option than thermal-style clutches. The thermal fan clutch operates in response to underhood temperatures.
A fan clutch is a temperature-controlled coupling between the water pump shaft and the fan which allows the fan to be operational at low speeds and disconnected at higher speeds.
Types of Fan Clutches. The main types are non-thermal, thermal, and electronic — all of which use a silicone fluid to engage and disengage your fan. Non-thermal clutches operate solely based on the shaft speed of the water pump. At low and idling speeds, the clutch allows the fan blade to turn at almost a 1:1 ratio.
However, non-thermal clutches are a lower-cost option than thermal-style clutches. The thermal fan clutch operates in response to underhood temperatures.
When do you know it’s time to replace the fan clutch?
According to Hayden, here are some signs your fan clutch might need replaced: Fan spins excessively when engine is stopped (three or more times when hot engine is shut off). Poor A/C performance at idle or low vehicle speeds. Fan speed does not increase when engine is hot.
How does a fan clutch work on a radiator?
As hot air blows across the radiator, it heats a thermal spring mounted at the front of the clutch. As the spring is heated, it turns and allows valve ports to open within the clutch. Silicone fluid stored inside a reservoir is allowed to pass through these open ports and enter the working area of the clutch.