Hello All,
I recently purchased my first Triumph TR3. It is a 1958. The PO has removed the mechanical fan, however the extension and the rest of the parts are still in place making the installation of a quality electric fan difficult. It has a new "wizard" aluminum radiator and the car was recently restored and has extremely good paint. The existing electric fan seems inadequate at idle since the temp slowly creeps up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit while sitting at traffic lights. As soon as the car is in motion and doing 30 mph or more the temp comes right down to 175 or so. I have the proper original style thermostat that is functioning properly and the water pump is a new upgraded 6 vane type. The car has the radiator shroud properly installed and again, it functions great at speed. The 10" puller electric fan installed is thermostatically controlled and kicking on at around 190 degrees and all is well there. I'm puzzled as why the temp creeps up at idle and the only conclusion I can come to is the fan is not adequate. That being said, I can't increase the electric fan size without removing the mechanical fan extension assembly. Is there a way to get this fan extension off without removing the radiator? Even if I have to cut the crank handle bolt to get it out.... is it doable this way? Thanks for any input/thoughts on the overheating at idle and removal of the fan extension assembly ...... Swoz
I recently purchased my first Triumph TR3. It is a 1958. The PO has removed the mechanical fan, however the extension and the rest of the parts are still in place making the installation of a quality electric fan difficult. It has a new "wizard" aluminum radiator and the car was recently restored and has extremely good paint. The existing electric fan seems inadequate at idle since the temp slowly creeps up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit while sitting at traffic lights. As soon as the car is in motion and doing 30 mph or more the temp comes right down to 175 or so. I have the proper original style thermostat that is functioning properly and the water pump is a new upgraded 6 vane type. The car has the radiator shroud properly installed and again, it functions great at speed. The 10" puller electric fan installed is thermostatically controlled and kicking on at around 190 degrees and all is well there. I'm puzzled as why the temp creeps up at idle and the only conclusion I can come to is the fan is not adequate. That being said, I can't increase the electric fan size without removing the mechanical fan extension assembly. Is there a way to get this fan extension off without removing the radiator? Even if I have to cut the crank handle bolt to get it out.... is it doable this way? Thanks for any input/thoughts on the overheating at idle and removal of the fan extension assembly ...... Swoz