I read these thermal clutches should not be stored on their back or face, After i once did so.
When re installed it was spinning full speed and making a huge racket, cold. One hot cold cycle and it returned to normal function. That was 10 years ago.
In the Overkill arena. How bout some large electric pusher fans in front of the radiator? Put them on a voltage booster and spin them at 20 volts. Add misters to help remove heat.
I always see claims of those removing the thermal fan clutch for electric fans and how much they love it, quieter, more powerful, more placebo MPG's too, but I never hear any longevity reports.
