Seized Electric Clutch Fan on my 3208

[Andy Coleman]

Fellow Wanderlodgers:

Took my 83 FC-35 for its first trip of 2009 last week. Drove out to Missouri
for a camping trip with friends.

Half way there, I heard a loud noise and lots of clanking around under my
engine.

I pulled the bus over to learn the electric operated clutch fan on my 250 HP
3208 seized completely. The metal bridge that carries the wires from the block
to the fan sheared off taking a belt with it too.

Luckily, the fan was designed with clips that can be put into place to lock the
clutch into a full on position. We installed the clips and continue on our way.

As you might imagine, the clips don't work very long. They sheared off on the
way home. Had a few scary hills where my engine temp exceeded 220 degrees.

I'm going to contact Bluebird tomorrow to see how much it costs to replace the
electric clutch fan.

I can imagine that it won't be cheap. I'm wondering if I'm not better off
replacing it with a standard 3208 hydraulic (non-electric) clutch fan.

Anybody have any experience with this?

Last year I stopped at a junk yard in Ohio and found a mid 80's Bluebird All
American with a stock bumped out grill. It adds about 4" of space in front of
the radiator on our FC models. I bought it of course, and may install it this
weekend - with an auxillary electric fan. I figure the aux. electric fan can
help on big hills, or when my clutch fan seizes again!

Andy Coleman
83' FC-35
Spring Lake Hts., NJ