I just bought an OEM fan clutch on eBay, listed as new in box. It's old stock with a born on date of December 2009. It was half the price of any other OEM. There are a lot of aftermarket clutches available. Some for pennies on the dollar of the OEM's cost. I preferred to get OEM, if possible, for peace of mind.
The clutch arrived today in the mail, and while it looks new, the box has clearly been opened. There's also a bit of heavy oxidation in one small section of the clutch (perhaps it sat on a bench and some caustic fluid came in contact with it at some point?).
As I understand it, if this viscous fan clutch is ever put into service it must always remain upright after that point. Otherwise the viscous fluid may/will leak rendering it ineffective. Is this in fact true, and is there any way to determine if this clutch I just bought was possibly used for brief moment (perhaps for troubleshooting) but then put back in the box (ths rendering it ineffective)?
TIA for any feedback.
The clutch arrived today in the mail, and while it looks new, the box has clearly been opened. There's also a bit of heavy oxidation in one small section of the clutch (perhaps it sat on a bench and some caustic fluid came in contact with it at some point?).
As I understand it, if this viscous fan clutch is ever put into service it must always remain upright after that point. Otherwise the viscous fluid may/will leak rendering it ineffective. Is this in fact true, and is there any way to determine if this clutch I just bought was possibly used for brief moment (perhaps for troubleshooting) but then put back in the box (ths rendering it ineffective)?
TIA for any feedback.