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Old 12-05-2009, 05:22 PM   #187 (permalink)
eco_generator
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Outback 14 - '14 Subaru Outback Limited
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nerys View Post
the point of the CLUTCH is to do exactly what it (flexlite) wants to do. when the fan is not needed the clutch is "looser" and the fan kind of pinwheels free spinning ie almost no engine load. as it gets hotter the clutch tightens up and provides more air.
That clutch may get "loose", but it is still drawing loads of parasitic power. It can soak up 5hp before the fan even begins to turn. I got rid of one on my Subaru wagon, with 95 hp and loaded with work equipment there was not a whole lot of extra horsepower to just lose in a fan. I took it off (it also has an electric fan) and the extra power was immediately noticeable.

So losing the clutch fan is a win/win. You will save gas just from not turning that clutch all the time.
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