Radiator Fan Clearance

[Skip & Lynne]

How close is the fan supposed to be to the radiator, I reinstalled mine this evening and I have about 1/8 inch between the fan bolts and my NEW radiator. There was a 1 inch spacer behind it when I took the car apart and the radiator was torn up pretty bad. I am thinking about milling about 1/2 fron the spacer. Anyone have any ideas? Skip

 

[Keoke]

High, Skip, that is way too close I would shoot for at least 3/4" space up there. Normally no spacer is used behind the fan it attaches directly to the pulley. Incidently what fan are you using? Also make sure the engine tierod is adjusted correctly and all of its bushes are in good condition-Keoke

 

[Skip & Lynne]

Thanks Keoke; my car came with a 6 bladed fiberglass fan, if I install the fan with no spacer it hits the crank damper. I have a 6 bladed stainless fan but it will have to be trimmed slightly to clear the front cross member. I think I am going to put the spacer in the milling machine and take off 1/2 inch at least. My other car came with a 2 bladed fan that bolted directly to the water pump so I am going to have to change that one as well. Skip

 

[Michael Oritt]

Skip--

Is it possible that the radiator has somehow been mounted too far back, or is it non-stock in dimensions? You should have at least enough clearance between it and the fan to change the belt.

 

[Dave Russell]

Skip,
Due to the flow characteristics of automotive fans, if the fan is too close to the radiator, there can actually be reverse air flow over some sections of the radiator. The greater the fan to radiator spacing, the more efficient the correct air flow will be. Having the fan as far from the radiator as is practical gives better fan flow through the radiator. 1.5" or more would be a good spacing. Increase the distance as much as possible.

Obviously, another consideration is that the fan blades flex forward, some more than others, under load & can contact the radiator if mounted too close.
D

 

[Skip & Lynne]

Thanks Dave I just had this thing recored and do NOT want it eaten by the fan. The new core is the same thickness as the old one it is just a 4 pass core. I am going to do whatever I need to get at least 2 inches clearance. Skip

 

[w. scott brunkhurst]

Have you checked that the tranny restraint is properly adjusted?

SB

 

[Skip & Lynne]

Thanks guys I took the fan spacer and milled off half of the thickness. This gives me about 1 inch from the crank nut and about 2 inches from the radiator. All new engine and trans mounts and all are tight with no movement. Just like an old airplane when you change one thing it changes about a dozen others. Skip

 

[Bugeye58]

Skip, make sure you re-rig the ailerons before you drive it!
Jeff /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Keoke]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif
Nah, all he has to do is set the trim tabs-Keoke--- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Skip & Lynne]

LOL yea it runs a little left side low, oh I forgot thats the side I sit on. Skip

 

[bighly]

Skip,

Your pullys are still lined up ok? Belts wear fast if pullys are not lined up.

just thought I'd throw that in.

T. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cowboy.gif