Fan Clutch Ops Chk

My 78 SA is currently running a 160 degree T-stat, less than 800 miles a new radiator, hoses and seals etc look brand new but during parades here in Delaware during the summer the temp gage peakes at around a little less than 200 degrees. Have been told by our clubs Vett shop to bring it in so that they can check the fan clutch. But before I take it in I'd like to know if there is anyway that I can ops check the fan clutch myself?????

I'd say anything under 200deg in traffic, especially in a parade situation is great!
The fan clutch is designed to only engage when needed, which is when the underhood air temps are high. The clutch should be fairly solid when hot(but not locked up!), and spin a little freer when cold, but not just spin like it's mounted on ball bearings.
If your engine is hot(operating temps), and you shut it down, the fan should only spin a couple of rounds before stopping. If it continues to spin, it's prolly bad.
It should also not take both hands to turn it at any time.
hth
Adams' Apple2010-07-05 10:02:29

i had a bud fan clucth on my 81 and in dalls texas this past summer it got to 108 to 105 degrees during the days and i had a problem with my getting hot a fan cluth when the engine is hot and you shut the engine off should only turn maybe a half a turn when you shut off the engine my free wheeled for around 1 to 1 1/2 secounds it do not sound like much but i replaced the clutch and big improvement in temp even on the hottest day with the a/c on good luck Brent

Be sure you get a good quality clutch.  The cheap imports do not lock up enough at low RPM, which is when you need it most.

Larry