I have a used fan clutch (4949861 - code OR) that I purchased as a working unit. I understand these units are sealed with oil. If that is the case then I should be able to submerge the unit in Evaporust to soak it clean without damage to it?

 

I wouldn't do that. Degrease it by hand, sand the front steel part to remove any corrosion, etc and paint or do whatever you want finish-wise. These can be rebuilt/restored but it's not a low cost operation.

 

Like Patton said, I wouldn't submerge that. Check my resto thread, I have details around the rebuilding process of the fan clutch. There's a Corvette shop that does a superb job at rebuilding fan clutches. What's the julian date on the fan clutch you're showing?

 

I WOULD use evaporust as you stated, just that I would watch and see what happens and only leave it in for an hour or two. I have not seen short term evaporust hurt rubber seals. No liability expressed or implied.

 

Those had a gold zinc finish on the front that you will never get back once it’s sanded. They should always be stored face down as well. No one will see it when installed anyway.

 

They go years at a time "sideways" when installed on an engine. Why would they need to be stored face-down?

 

I was too chicken to install the used fan clutch even after I cleaned it because all I could think of was the possibility of it flying off and going through my original radiator, or worse, flying off and striking me in the temple. The scenarios I describe may only be something I conjured up in my mind, but since the clutch was used, I had no real idea of its true condition.

Currently the fan clutch is down at Kirkconnell Corvettes going through his rebuild process. I know it will cost a few coins, but considering the alternatives, I thought it was best. Turnaround is expected to run 2-3 weeks.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

 

I’m not an engineer but it’s often printed on the box to store face down.

 

In this case store face up is the flange side up. It’s an NOS clutch

 

As a follow up as to how to store a fan clutch, the following was printed at the bottom of my rebuild fan clutch receipt that I received from Dan Kirkconnell Corvette Service. This outfit rebuilt the OR code Olds fan clutch for me. I guess it does not matter, horizontal or vertical, both are proper.We recommend storing units on their side (as in the normal application), which will help the oil to remain distributed evenly within the unit.