Mustang 289 thermal fan clutch question

[Seth Swoboda]

I have a 1967 Mustang with a 289 V8. The car also has power steering and A/C. Currently the car has a flex fan. I want to convert to a thermal fan clutch and fan.

Is this possible? If so, what kind of fan is compatible with a thermal fan clutch?

Thanks,

Seth

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

I have a 1967 Mustang with a 289 V8. The car also has power steering and A/C. Currently the car has a flex fan. I want to convert to a thermal fan clutch and fan.

Is this possible? If so, what kind of fan is compatible with a thermal fan clutch?

Thanks,

Seth

Yes, it is possible. You would buy an aftermarket clutch for the car application.I would use the fan blade that FORD calls for and the fan shroud of course.

[Seth Swoboda]

The original fan Ford installed was a four blade metal fan. I believe it was a 5 blade for a car with A/C.

I talked with a guy about this that said he wouldn't install a thermal clutch because he thought if the clutch failed or wore out it would send the metal fan into the radiator.

My thoughts were the thermal clutch and stock fan would be quieter than a flex fan and also have less drag on the engine when it wasn't needed.

[miker98038]

Here’s a link to Hayden, lots of cooling stuff but specifically fan clutches. I had one fail one time at about 60 mph on the cruise control. It seized, made a loud roaring noise, and the cruise control added power like I’d hit a hill. No damage, just scared then h out of me.

Millions on cars and trucks used those before the oem’s went to electric fans. If I had room on the bird, one of those and a good shroud would be my first choice.

https://www.haydenauto.com/en

[Ole Don]

All the US built Ford fan bolt circles were the same for thirty years except 429 and 460. Sixes, small eights and FE .

[Seth Swoboda]

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Thanks everyone!

[rotorwrench]

I knew a fellow that had a 67 Mustang back in the day. He was hard on it. One day the top radiator hose got chopped by the fan with coolant going everywhere. One of his motor mounts delaminated and the engine moved up enough to get the hose. He was looking for a smaller fan after that. The fan was sharp enough but he wasn't.

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

I knew a fellow that had a 67 Mustang back in the day. He was hard on it. One day the top radiator hose got chopped by the fan with coolant going everywhere. One of his motor mounts delaminated and the engine moved up enough to get the hose. He was looking for a smaller fan after that. The fan was sharp enough but he wasn't.

My motor mounts are new and my little 289 doesn't make that much power. I hope that doesn't happen to me

[Merc Cruzer]

[QUOTE=rotorwrench;1772421]I knew a fellow that had a 67 Mustang back in the day. He was hard on it. One day the top radiator hose got chopped by the fan with coolant going everywhere. One of his motor mounts delaminated and the engine moved up enough to get the hose. He was looking for a smaller fan after that.

The fan was sharp enough but he wasn't.[/QUOTE... Burma Shave

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[KULTULZ]

What is it about the FLEX-FAN that troubles you, the noise at low RPM?

You have to take into consideration the extra stress a heavy fan clutch/fan blade will put on the WP and resultant HP loss. The best way out is with electric fan(s) and a proper shroud setup (again IMO)

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

What is it about the FLEX-FAN that troubles you, the noise at low RPM?

You have to take into consideration the extra stress a heavy fan clutch/fan blade will put on the WP and resultant HP loss. The best way out is with electric fan(s) and a proper shroud setup (again IMO)

I'll probably just leave the plastic flex fan in place. I don't drive the car enough to even justify the electric fan. Although that sounds like the best alternative. I should sell this car but Mustangs ain't worth much these days, unless it's some special variant.

[dmsfrr]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

. . .
I should sell this car but Mustangs ain't worth much these days, unless it's some special variant.

Do you have photos, for wishful thinking purposes?

[5851a]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

I'll probably just leave the plastic flex fan in place. I don't drive the car enough to even justify the electric fan. Although that sounds like the best alternative. I should sell this car but Mustangs ain't worth much these days, unless it's some special variant.

I would go with the reinforced metal one from the 70/80's. Had a new XR7 in 81 with 302. There was a recall on them do to a few unreinforced that came apart. Never heard it when driving before or after recall. Had a friendly dealer that just handed me the part because I installed the new one. Worked great AC was fantastic and never overheated. I have had a few clutch type fail. Newer truck has computer controlled mechanical
clutch. Technology is beyond me although it looks conventional.