general engine questions

[DPG_Z28]

I just got my freshly built 355 settled into the engine bay of my 84 Z28... the block is an early style 70's. My first question is the fan... Do I need the clutch piece, or can I just do away with it?

I've noticed that my power steering pump leaks, do they offer rebuild kits or would it be better to purchase a new one ( if so, where? )

Thanks

[chevymania.com]

Stay with the fan clutch unless you go all electric. Flex fans are noisy and wear out pump bearings.

Just change the power steering pump. You can get a pump for under 50 buck from most autoparts stores. Most also rent the tool to pull the pully off too!!

[DPG_Z28]

OKay thanks..

Just how exactly does the fan clutch work though?

[chevymania.com]

There are 2 types of fan clutches.

The first and least common is the RPM clutch. This clutch has a smooth metal plate in front. Any time the RPM changes more than 500 RPM in 1 second the clutch disenguages. The advantage is it completely freewheels on acceleration. The disadvantage is it will remain locked at cruise RPM even if not needed.

The second type is the temp sensitive type. This design free wheels untill the bi metal spring in the front turns the locking pin and enguages the clutch. The advantage is it only runs when needed. The disavantage is it can enguage even on WOT acceleration if the air temp coming off the radiator demands it.

Both types are a compromise. The RPM clutch is usualy reserved for diesel engines but can be on passenger cars as well. The temp clutch is the most commonly used fan clutch there is with over 99% of engine driven fans using this type clutch.

For true performance engines an electric fan that is thermotaticly controled with a WOT cutout switch is the best kind to use. Just take care to match the power level of the engie with the correct CFM airflow. Remember a fixed bladed clutch fan with 6 blades and 17" diameter can move over 5500 CFM of air. If this is what is keeping your ride cool now you can't use a single 12" 1900 CFM fan and get away with it!

[T.A.Crews]

I put a new power steering pump on my 82 last spring...I purchased it from Advance Auto Parts...it came with the tool to remove the pully...the tool for removing the pully is just a long bolt with a nut...If take your old pump with you when you pick up the new one they will remove the brackets and take the old one as a core exchange...I think I saved $10 with the core exchange...

[Hanks84z28]

I had a flex fan for my 84. IT SUCKED. it was effective at cooling but it sounded like a mack truck. Summit sells a nice kit that comes with a electric fan and a thermo switch to turn the fan on at the right temp. If you want to get real crazy, you can purchase a Nortskog??(not sure on spelling) guage. These are a pretty slick guage. it is a digital temp guage and it has a programmable output to turn the fan on at whatever temp you specify which is nice cause you can tailor them for your setup. this setup gets pricy though. hope this helps

[83camaroz28cfi]

all for the electric fan my friend put one this summer on his car and noticed a major diffrence in performance