[Teddy Pledger]

Fluidampr has shipped a prototype power pulley to me to be tested. Since the water pump is not driven by the fan belt, the reduction in accessory speed is 50% but should not affect engine cooling. This device will require the use of electric fans because the power pulley fits between the damper and the engine. This makes the damper extend out toward the radiator about 1 1/2", and the engine driven fan would hit the damper. I will report the advantages and disadvantages as I test this. I have hopes that the increase in pep and mileage will be awesome. I know that slowing the AC will make it more efficient. I do have a concern that reducing the power steering by 50% might make steering at an idle difficult. This will be very interesting to see the results.

 

[Rttoys]

Let's see;
*you are going to slow down the ac- fine now, but wait till summer.
*slow down PS- hard enough to turn at idle with brakes on, now you will realy have atough time.
*slow down the alternator and add electric fans- major strain on the electrical system.

You'll feel extra power and response, but that's not from the pully, it will be from the elimination of the clutch fan.

Just my $.02

 

[GMC2500HD]

I hope that you don't find out the hard way what some others have found out, but good luck.. I would not do anything that would mess with the electrical system or power steering, two very important components that can have tremendous outcomes when messed with.

 

[Teddy Pledger]

"Power Pulley"

I appreciate your thoughts and comments. By slowing the AC compressor, the collant will have more time to release its heat, making it much cooler when it expands across the expansion valve. The blower will not be affected. I have been using these types of pulleys since 1975 when I had to have them made in a machine shop. I do not remember how many different vehicles I have had the pulleys on, but I started out in New Orleans in the summer time and the AC worked better running slower. I am concerned about the alternater being able to keep up, but we will see. The factory fan was removed over a year ago, and the electric fans almost never run, only in town at stop lights. At an idle, 700 RPM, every thing works well, including the PS. I have been watching my tack, and I am seldom below 1500 RPM so every thing should work just fine. Anyway, thats why I going to test this to see. If the increase in mileage is anything like what I am expecting, it would be worth a little effort.

 

[jollyrogr]

Which engine does your truck have? Do you tow with it at all?

 

[Teddy Pledger]

Which engine does your truck have? Do you tow with it at all?

I have the LLY and I do not tow. However, the release of an estimated 20 to 25 HP by reducing the speed of the accessories should help towing and help to keep the engine cooler, if the fans can keep up.

 

[RickDLance]

I appreciate your thoughts and comments. By slowing the AC compressor, the collant will have more time to release its heat, making it much cooler when it expands across the expansion valve.The blower will not be affected. I have been using these types of pulleys since 1975 when I had to have them made in a machine shop. I do not remember how many different vehicles I have had the pulleys on, but I started out in New Orleans in the summer time and the AC worked better running slower.

This part is normally only true on higher reving gas engines.


I am concerned about the alternater being able to keep up, but we will see. The factory fan was removed over a year ago, and the electric fans almost never run, only in town at stop lights. At an idle, 700 RPM, every thing works well, including the PS. I have been watching my tack, and I am seldom below 1500 RPM so every thing should work just fine. Anyway, thats why I going to test this to see. If the increase in mileage is anything like what I am expecting, it would be worth a little effort.

The electric fans themselves will increase MPG some. Combine the current needs of electric fans "with" the slower alternator and there may be an issue. Keep us informed of your progress.

 

[jollyrogr]

I thought electric fans alone could not cool an LLY. I suppose it depends if you tow anything with it.

 

[nwpadmax]

Sounds interesting.....wonder how much it would screw up the dual-CP3d trucks.

 

[Mike L.]

It might affect braking also.

 

[McRat]

Sounds interesting.....wonder how much it would screw up the dual-CP3d trucks.

Quite a bit. You'd need a custom pulley.

 

[McRat]

It might affect braking also.

Brakes are for puzzy's.

 

[Fingers]

Brakes build up their pressure in an accumulator. It would recover slower, but still work fine. Power steering should be fine except a little slower to respond.

The thing about the AC working better turning the pump slower is BS. The AC pump is simply a compressor. It is turned on and off in response to the pressure in the condenser. If anything, it will run more to maintain the prescribed pressure in the condenser.

However, I don't know how fast it needs to turn to keep the truck cool at a stop light at idle. Highway is another matter.