radiator or fan clutch

1985 CHEVROLET VAN
300,000 MILES • 4.8L • 6 CYL • RWD • AUTOMATIC
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TARKUS007
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i am having problems with my p30 gauge going into the overheating. then the gauge seems to go back down to the middle or a little over before it starts to fluctuate back and forth, but i am not sure if it is the radiator that needs to be changed or the fan clutch (water pump is done already) due to the fact the clutch is still original. how would i tell which one is at fault?
Jun 24, 2017 at 5:00 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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Sounds more like the fan clutch. If it was a bad radiator the overheating would continue. A weak fan clutch on the other hand might need to get "warmer" before it engages the fan then start fluctuating as the temperature changes.
Jun 25, 2017 at 8:23 AM
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TARKUS007
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being that it is an old model p30 1985 Chevrolet 4.8, do i need special tools to remove the fan clutch?
Jun 25, 2017 at 8:35 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,200 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Nope, That should have 4 bolts holding the fan to the pump snout and 6 that hold the fan blade to the clutch. Usually 7/16" or 1/2" although some of the HD units did have 9/16".
Jun 25, 2017 at 5:12 PM
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