See this link below.

Are these the infamous flex fans that break and fly off and kill people? Or is this a GM quality unit? I can't tell from the picture.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33600&item=2408640629&rd=1

Thanks.

That's not a flex fan; it has a clutch on it.

Originally posted by Rons68:
That's not a flex fan; it has a clutch on it. Thanks Ron, I was referring to the blades, I was under the impression that the blades on it were the ones used on those types of fans. Maybe not. redface.gif

I think that what he meant is that flex fans are generally known to break at higher rpms, and since there's a clutch on the fan that won't be as likely. And although it does look like a flex fan, they're called that because they flatten (or flex) out at high rpms, and since they don't flatten out because of the clutch, it's technically not a flex fan anymore.

Maybe I'm just totally wrong though, it wouldn't be the first time graemlins/clonk.gif .

That's a GM flex-fan used on trucks. They did indeed have a problem with that design but it wasn't as prevelant as the aftermarket performance flex-fans with the alum frame and rivited on stainless blades. Steve Jack has pointed out in the past that there is a more modern version of the flex-fan being produced that won't come apart.

Sorry if I gave an incorrect reply; I thought that fan clutches were only used with stiff non-flex bladed fans.

For the most part you are correct Ron... Your typical speed shop flex fan wouldn't be used with a clutch...