Which Fan clutch/fan is best?

[Mike K3500]

Still useful info to me... I still need a good fan and water pump.

 

[Acesneights1]

I found the 9 blade steel worked better than the dmax. I had both. I'd have to side with Kennedy on this one.

 

[bfourman]

Bringing this one back up; pulled my 6500lb (est) TT this weekend, and with the A/C on, running ~65mph in 5th my ScanGauge was reporting coolant temps hovering around 200*, especially with any rises in the road. This is with a 180* t'stat, 98+ water pump and visually clean radiator. Outside temps were in the mid 80s. If I shut the A/C off, it would drop to 195* or so. Unknown how old the fan clutch is, 160k on the truck.

I'm thinking either the SSD kit or piecing together a Dmax fan/HD clutch from RockAuto; pricing will be about the same.

 

[Acesneights1]

Stay away from SS Diesel. Either get Heaths or Kennedy's or piece it together yourself like you said.

 

[bfourman]

Stay away from SS Diesel. Either get Heaths or Kennedy's or piece it together yourself like you said.

Stay away as in don't do business with, or stay away as in shoddy parts? I got my 180* tstat from SSD, no problems. It looks like a decent one-stop for a fan combo. I can't afford Heath's or Kennedy's. Not defending the guy in any way, just looking for clarification.

AFAIK the RockAuto parts are AC Delco/Hayden.

 

[Acesneights1]

Walt peddles alot of stuff that "is the best"...It's not. You get what you pay for. The argument between whether Kennedy or Heaths fan is better will rage on ....If cost is an issue then build your own.

 

[bfourman]

10-4. Next question - RA lists a 'Reverse Rotation Severe Duty' fan clutch, along with an OEM AC and a Hayden. Does the Severe Duty really change anything, and why would it be reverse rotation on a '98?

Edit: Found my answer on a RockAuto tech page: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=815343

 

[handcannon]

Just because it is called a Severe Duty clutch doesn't mean it will come on at a lower temperature. It wll have a better duty cycle than a standard clutch. Of course I'm biased. I tried a Hayden Severe Duty clutch, which didn't come on at all for me at temps up to 225*. I returned it and bit the bullet and got the Heath clutch.

Don

 

[bobbiemartin]

You might want to look at the Hayden "Truck Fan Clutch". Its the heaviest duty fan clutch they make. Get the one for a Kodiak with a Duramax. I think it's what Heath sells in their kit. One other note, I have contacted Hayden's tech department and they assure me all their fan clutches that fit a 6.5 have the same temperature (on and off) ratings.

 

[JiFaire]

View attachment 2007-hayden-fan-clutch.pdfMisc. info:

http://www.oliverdiesel.com/products/haydenfanclutch.htm

http://www.haydenauto.com/Featured Products-Fan Clutches and Fan Blades/Content.aspx

 

[Chief915]

I pieced together a severe duty fan clutch and d-max fan from rock auto.... $182 shipped.

Seems to work great for me, the temp gauge doesn't move off of 190-195 even towing with the A/C on the 95-100 degree day's we have here. When the fan is locked up it sounds like a prop airplane taking off.

 

[Turbine Doc]

Walt peddles alot of stuff that "is the best"...It's not. You get what you pay for. The argument between whether Kennedy or Heaths fan is better will rage on ....If cost is an issue then build your own.

Been there done that with the Kennedy fan & clutch better results with the Heath setup on mine probably going to be a vehicle specific delta as results between the 2 setup is close, but I have a few more cooling goodies on mine than just the stock cooling routine than GM gave us.