Fan clutch bearing

[Aussie Zed]

G'day all.

I looked at the posts on the net and they've been very helpful so far with dealing with my fan clutch. I'm swapping back to it 'cos my electric fan sucks - or more to the point it doesn't.

But, after taking it apart, i still find it hard to turn the bearing (while it is apart) (the big half). It turns, but it isn't exactly free to spin. Is this usual? Is there some way i can get a new bearing so it can free wheel better?

Thanks

[ZSaint]

The fan clutch assembly is a viscous coupling. It has mineral oil or some such fluid in it. As it get warmer, it tightens ups and cools your rad. You will never find a clutch assy that is 'freewheeling'. If you do, it will not cool. This fluid has leaked out of it. I have seen dyno results on SB engines where this clutch assy fan will gain 2-3% horsepower. They do work!

[Aussie Zed]

I've taken the fan apart and drained all of the fluid (honey oil stuff) out. So by my reckoning there should be no viscous coupling effect from the input (engine) to the output (fan). But, if i try to spin the input shaft with the clutch all apart, i still have to grip the outside firmly to get it and the disc inside to turn separately from the outside.

Is this stiffness, without the viscous fluid present normal? Or is the bearing shot?

[ZSaint]

Wow! I do not know the answer to your question. If the "oil" is gone then the only factor that will cause the shaft to not run free must be the bearing. I am guessing you need another clutch.

Why do you not want the fan clutch to kick in when it is hot? The viscous fan does not turn with the rpm's of the engine when you rev the engine. That is how it saves HP. It does turn when you are running a steady rate. It will not run 7K when you turn 7K.

I am not certain what you are doing by having the fan, "freewheel". Why not just remove the fan?

[e_racer1999]

what he's trying to say is that the clutch is locked. this is the case on one of my fan clutches... the other one works perfectly. the easiest option i found was ebay.... i just got another one in fine operation for US$26

[Zedrally]

I had the same problem. Tired to pull the bearing with no success [although it did free it up].

Awaiting replacement part as I type.

MOM

[Aussie Zed]

Could the bearing be pressed out with a hydraulic press or something? I can't see how the bearing and the disc have been assembled to take it apart though.

Have you gone for a fan clutch swap from another z 'Zedrally"? Or have you adapted one from some other car? Has anyone else found an effective non-z replacement?

[Zedrally]

If you have access to a press then by all means you can press it out.

Whether you can find a replacement bearing is another matter entirely.

I'm awaiting a swap from another L24 [Chris, if you're reading this, I'm still awaiting your postal address]!

MOM

[ZSaint]

Most bearings can be found at a bearing shop. They will mic the inside and outside and the thickness and match it up to their stock. It will be a lot cheaper than getting it from Nissan. Most bearings are metric sized and unless it is a very weird application they will have (or can order) the bearing.

[e_racer1999]

^^so true. very good idea, as a matter of fact

[sblake01]

Why not just order a new fan clutch assembly?

[Bambikiller240]

Why not just order a new fan clutch assembly?

BINGO!!!!!

No, wait! If I bill out my time putzing around with it at $2.00 per hour it would be cheaper the other way and I'd save a nickel.