Had a fan blade break off on a 68 Landcruiser. It cut thru the radiator, sliced thru the hood like it was butter and disappered forever. It it had been someone's head, it would have been quick and painless.

Had an aftermarket electric fan on my 409d (617 engine with unique water pump and fan clutch) when I bought it. It would not carry the load. Since the old clutch had been damaged in an accident and a new one was $500 plus shipped from Europe, (which was why the previous owner went with an electric fan) I just bypassed the clutch and went with a direct drive aluminum bladed fan bought from Pep Boys for about $15. No problems so far and it handles the heat load much better. It surely takes more HP but I can't tell the difference.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13