Temperature control within an automotive engine environment is critical for both efficiency and engine component lifetime. An integral component for temp control is the intake fan and fan clutch system. Maximize lubrication performance and peace of mind with Krytox™ Performance Greases and Oils.
Why Use Krytox™ Specialty Lubricants?
Krytox™ Specialty Oils & Greases provide the ultimate in lubrication performance combined with unbeatable operating life cycles. The PFPE technology allows the grease to perform at higher levels than competing mineral or synthetic oils and greases. Krytox™ Specialty Lubricants are perfect for long-term Automotive Lubrication as they provide:
What Does a Fan Clutch Do?
The primary purpose for the fan clutch is to control engine temperature automatically. The clutch will engage and partially disengage depending on the engine temperature and inbound air flow. If the engine temperature exceeds the standard operating temperature, the clutch will engage and pull more air through the cooling system to help maintain an optimal temp range.
How Does A Fan Clutch Fail — What Happens Next?
There are two main ways in which a fan clutch can fail, either fail to engage at all or permanently engage and become stuck. Both of these situations can cause problems with overall engine performance, but failing to engage is much more detrimental to engine health. If the system cannot engage properly, engine temperature can sore to damaging extremes and can cause radiators and other cooling systems to fail.
What Are the Root Causes of Failure In A Fan Clutch? In any mechanical failure there can be a number of variables that can be a potential root cause. In terms of the lubricant itself there are five main ways lubricant selection can become a potential failure point.
Applied Loads:
High Loads - Lubricant selection is not viscous enough to handle consistent high loads causing inconsistent lubricant film, excessive noise, heat generation, and premature bearing wear.
Low Loads – Lubricant selection is too viscous and the applied load is not enough to work the grease, leading to noise, heat generation, and premature bearing wear, primarily from skidding.
Application Temperatures:
Over - Temperature - The lubricant selected cannot withstand the operating temperature range and leads to fluid breakdown, deposit buildup and ultimately can result in total bearing failure.
Under - Temperature - The lubricant selected cannot function at extremely low temperatures. This most commonly affects geographies with intense winter weather but can result in noise, irregular lubricant film, and wear patterns in the bearing
Incorrect Fill Factor / Fill Rates:
Incorrect Fill Factor - Addition of too much or too little grease — Resulting in stuttering and inconsistent performance for the part. This can cause bearing damage and extreme noise generation.
There are a multitude of other mechanical root causes of failure, but lubricant selection is an important first step and it's critical to keep all five of these points in mind. Krytox™ Performance Lubricants have proven over many years that the correct lubricant for viscous fan clutches used in Automotive, Light Duty, and Off Road trucks greatly reduces bearing failure due to lubrication.
Why Use Krytox™ vs. a Traditional Lubricant?
Krytox™ Performance Lubricants provide an unbeatable combination of performance and robust durability compared to conventional mineral oil or even synthetic based greases. The PFPE (perfluoropolyether) chemistry in Krytox™ allows them to perform more consistently at higher temperatures and much longer than a traditional lubricant could without failing. This makes Krytox™ an ideal solution in fan clutch systems, where precise and reliable temperature control is critical.
Krytox™ Performance Lubricant Solutions
There are many grades and viscosity options within the Krytox™ Performance Lubricants portfolio. We've helped narrow down the list to provide focus on solutions specific to engine fan clutch and cooling systems.
Exceptional Low Temp Torque Performance and Anti-Corrosion
Krytox™ performance lubricants can be used in a variety of automotive applications, including bearing and reducing NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness).
