Hi guys,

Yet another post and question from me. Being a new car I just like to check everything over the first week or so trying to make sure everything is in basic working order.

One thing I came across this morning after the car had cooled off over night was that I don't think the car has a fan clutch. Is this common for these cars? I see that rockauto has them, but perhaps they were optional?

If I recall correctly, you can check to see if the clutch is functioning correctly by spinning the blade when the car is cool, it should spin with slight resistance. If it spins loosely or not at all it is likely bad. Mine didn't spin at all and then on closer inspection it doesn't look like there is a clutch at all.

If there isn't one, can I, or should I add one? I am just concerned on a hot day if I get stuck sitting in traffic I could get some overheating issues.

Thanks!

 

Yes, non A/C, non HD cooling option cars came factory with a fixed 4 blade fan, no shroud and two core copper/brass rad. The fan works quite well on my car. I know one guy with a 403 in a G body Buick. He says his car runs considerably cooler than the factory 5 blade clutch fan.

 

Ok, good to know. Previous owner said there was no overheating issues so I think it should be fine. At the moment we dont have a temp gauge so that is where some of the worry comes from. I will feel a lot better about it once I get a temp gauge wired up and can actually see where it is running

 

Follow through with the temp gauge, I would also recommend an oil pressure, and voltmeter. Mechanical are the most reliable for oil pressure and temp. You don't have to buy high dollar ones, and they are very easy to install under the dash or in the glove box.

 

I added them on mine and kept the idiot lights as well.

 

Probably a dumb question, but what do you mean by mechanical? The only gauge I have ever installed was RPM. I was looking at those triple gauges that have the volts, water temp and oil pressure.

I also want an RPM gauge but want to look into finding a factory gauge cluster with one. Even though mine doesn't currently have one, can that factory cluster be made to work with an RPM gauge? I think that would look better than securing an after market one somewhere.

Thanks!

 

There are aftermarket factory gauges and you can also find used factory originals by placing a parts wanted ad in the classifieds on here.

Something like this is what I have, Bosch bought Sunpro. They come in different faces and mounts.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/b...8208/overview/
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/b...7903/overview/

 

A mechanical gauge has no electrical wiring. A temp gauge with a tube that has a liquid or gas in it and gets heated up and moves the needle is mechanical. If it has power, and a sending unit with resistances, it's electrical.



Temp and pressure gauges can be mechanical. Voltmeter sort of has to be electrical. Tachs are usually electrical, but cable drive ones exist, like on C3 Corvettes.