What are all yalls opinions on using either a manual or a clutch fan?

I am currently running a 304 with a 3 core factory style radiator and a 190 degree thermostat (new) and a clutch fan that I think may need replacing. Driving around or wheelin it heats up and dosn't stop, the only way to keep it below 230 is to keep the rpms at 1500 or below, then it will hover around 200.

Thanks,
Justin

Is the radiator spotless "clean"?--or clogged and rusty...

Jason :)

Is the radiator spotless "clean"?--or clogged and rusty...

I wouldn't say spotless about anything on my jeep;) , but it looks clean and fairly new (was in a jeep I got in a trade which was transplanted into the Scrambler) and the fins are not kinked over, I can actually see the front of my motor and fans looking straight at the front grill!

I do not have a fan shroud, but neither does several others in my club who don't seem to have cooling probs.???

Justin

A fan shroud always helps alot. I guess I'd check the core for internal blockage by running your hand in front of the radiator and looking for an even flow of heat from one side of the radiator to the other. If a section goes cold suddenly that tube is plugged and will not cool...

Jason :)

Clutch fan all the way.

Try a fan shroud and ditch that 190* thermostat. Try a 180 or even a 160. Only reason for 190* stat is for computer controlled engines. Do you have an EFI kit on that 304?

Check the timing also. Make sure you dont have a lean running condition.

I guess I'd check the core for internal blockage by running your hand in front of the radiator and looking for an even flow of heat from one side of the radiator to the other. If a section goes cold suddenly that tube is plugged and will not cool...

I'll have to give that a try, I know that I'm getting some flow though as I had a brain fart and didn't tight down the thermostat housing bolts and dumped coolant all over the intake when I fired it up.:rolleyes:

Try a 180 or even a 160. Only reason for 190* stat is for computer controlled engines. Do you have an EFI kit on that 304?

190 is all Auto Zone had for an AMC when I went to get the thermo....its a factory manifold and 2 bl motorcraft carb.


10-4,
Justin

A good shroud that fits tight to the radiator and covers 1/2 the fan blades (not in front of the blades and not behind them) will help a lot. You should feel lots of air moving thru the grill.
Napa makes a real good h.duty t-stat., they are worth the extra few $s.
Autozone sells the cheapest products on the market , I wouldn't use autozone for a parts house during daylight hours...only as a last resort

Originally posted by dirtrod
Napa makes a real good h.duty t-stat., they are worth the extra few $s.
Autozone sells the cheapest products on the market , I wouldn't use autozone for a parts house during daylight hours...only as a last resort

I agree that auto zone sells the cheapest parts on the market. However, I wouldnt use the thermostats from napa (exspensive or cheap) if my life depended on it. I have installed MANY of these T-stats and a good % have either never opened or stuck shortly there after. I personally go to Kragen and by Stant thermostats and Rad caps.

i use stant also..... but kragans......? nope none of them round here....

I'm going to pick up a new clutch fan and 160 degree thermostat tomarrow at work....and same here, no Kragens, but since I didn't when I bought the thermostat, but now I do work for Napa, I will probably go with their's. (espeically considering with discounts...hehe) If all of this fails I will try a shroud.

Thanks for the replys and keep them coming.


10-4,
Justin

Clutch fans suck.

Run the biggest diameter fixed mount fixed blade fan you can

Double ditto on the fan shroud.

160 is a little low for my tastes.

I've got a 190 in my "other brand" 304. It works slick, OTOH, I've got the 17 inch fixed fan, shroud, goood 3 core HE rad.

Justin---it really is the fan shroud. You might consider re-installing it before you spend money on the other stuff.

Originally posted by ZUK
Justin---it really is the fan shroud. You might consider re-installing it before you spend money on the other stuff.

Honestly I have never seen a CJ with a fan shroud and never seen one with a cooling problem related to lack of airflow. I would give the clutch fan a try because they are good for some horse power (one of the hotrod magazine's saw a 20hp gain at high RPM) However if the rest of your cooling system is in good working order and it doesnt stay cool at low speed but does at highway speed (this sis the simplest test if the fan is doing its job or not) Get a factory CJ mechanical fan, those things have a NASTY pitch to them and move a ton of air, expecially for how small they are. My buddy uses one to cool his 550hp street car.

Justin---it really is the fan shroud. You might consider re-installing it before you spend money on the other stuff.


re-installing it....uh...never had it. This is jeep number 4 I've owned and none of them have had fan shrouds. Also, I've never seen one in a junk yard either....the only cj fan shrouds I've found are new and $75!!!

Anyone know of any universal fit shrouds that could be made to work?

Thanks,
Justin