Fan Clutch

Fan Clutches

A fan clutch is a device that is used to control the speed of a fan in an automotive engine. It is typically located between the engine and the radiator and is driven by the crankshaft pulley. The fan clutch is a simple device that consists of a hub, a spring, and a clutch plate. The hub is connected to the crankshaft pulley, and the clutch plate is connected to the fan. The spring is located between the hub and the clutch plate, and it serves to keep the clutch plate from slipping.

When the engine is cold, the fan clutch is disengaged. This allows the fan to spin freely and cool the engine. As the engine warms up, the spring in the fan clutch begins to compress. This causes the clutch plate to engage, which reduces the speed of the fan. This helps to prevent the engine from overheating.

Fan clutches are an important part of an automotive engine. They help to keep the engine cool and prevent it from overheating. There are a variety of different types of fan clutches available, so it is important to choose the right one for your particular engine.

Types of Fan Clutches

There are two main types of fan clutches: viscous fan clutches and thermostatic fan clutches.

• Viscous fan clutches use a viscous fluid to engage the clutch plate. The fluid is located between the hub and the clutch plate. When the engine is cold, the fluid is thick and the clutch plate is disengaged. As the engine warms up, the fluid thins out and the clutch plate engages.
• Thermostatic fan clutches use a thermostat to control the engagement of the clutch plate. The thermostat is located in the fluid reservoir. When the engine is cold, the thermostat is closed and the fluid is cold. This keeps the clutch plate disengaged. As the engine warms up, the thermostat opens and the fluid is heated. This causes the clutch plate to engage.

Fan clutches are an important part of an automotive engine. They help to keep the engine cool and prevent it from overheating. There are a variety of different types of fan clutches available, so it is important to choose the right one for your particular engine.