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TR2/3/3A Tr3 Radiator fan loose

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@parkerg1: Yes, you have missed something here. My question was for Lyle, the person who began this thread as you pointed out, some time ago. If you read my question, you would know I am not speaking about an electric fan nor am I putting anything "back." I'm simply swapping an original fan for a Tropical Climate fan and I tried to ask Lyle about an alternate method of fan removal since he's done it and may be considered an expert on the subject.
Tony
 
CDToaster said:
@parkerg1: Yes, you have missed something here. My question was for Lyle, the person who began this thread as you pointed out, some time ago. If you read my question, you would know I am not speaking about an electric fan nor am I putting anything "back." I'm simply swapping an original fan for a Tropical Climate fan and I tried to ask Lyle about an alternate method of fan removal since he's done it and may be considered an expert on the subject.
Tony
Click to expand...
I was not replying to you, I was replying to the originator of the thread. If you had read my reply, you would have seen I didn't realize it was an old thread.
 
Hello, I did read your reply and I did notice you mentioned it was in regard to an older post but I didn't understand that meant it wasn't directed towards me in particular. No problem however, I'm just brand new to Posting on this site and haven't gotten the knack of it yet. Beautiful car you have there in British Racing Green, the original colour of my white one. I can understand you never have any overheating issues with it up in Nebraska where you are! I'm gonna try to contact the originator of that Thread (Lyle) and send him a Private message. Happy Motoring!
Tony
 
Tony
If you are new to this forum, you probable are not familiar with a past member named Randell. Randell probable forgot more about TR3's than any 10 members ever knew. Unfortunately he passed away a while back, and left a big hole in the knowledge of TR's. A couple years ago he had a post about changing fan blades. He stated then that he had done it without pulling the front apron, but he would never attempt it again. He said it was far more work than doing it the right way. At that time I had purchased a TR6 blade for my TR, and was thinking about it also. I took his advice, and pulled the apron and radiator, and was glad I did. I don't think it took much more than an hour to pull, and not much more to put back. If you have someone to help it would be better, but I did it by myself, and I was 77 at the time. I hope this will be of value to you.
Gary
 
Hi Gary, you're very kind to take notice of my newness to this site, and I grieve with all the regulars here about losing Randall. I did read his post(s) about this subject and yes, I dd read how he discouraged the "quickie" way of fan removal.

However, as everyone here knows, each person has their own set of unique circumstances which govern their procedures. If you don't mind, I'd like to tell you about mine so I may receive some advice based on my particular set of circumstances:

I've just finished restoring the car and paid $20,000 to put it back together and painted perfectly. I can't imagine taking the whole front off again after it was just put on and so painstakingly painted perfectly. I just know by taking it off and on again, I MUST damage something on the paint. It's too great a risk for me after all the work and expense.

Moreover, I'm simultaneously overhauling the cooling and electronic system with a new water pump from The Flying Dutchman and a Dynator (an alternator inside a generator body) which will provide me with a negative ground car to allow me to finally install a powerful sound system.

What this means is I'm already going to take out the water pump and the generator, as well as the belt and radiator hoses.

So with all those things already being removed, it seems to me the removal of the crossmember and horns will allow the removal of the original 4 blade fan which I'm replacing with an original, fully restored Tropical Climate fan.

So Gary, with all those components already removed, and the radiator loose to facilitate hose changing, don't you think the fan swap would be better done in MY case with the Apron ON?

Comments and advice from ALL members will be greatly appreciated. I truly believe with all those components already removed, the fan should come out easily without risking damaging all the new work.

Tony
 
CDToaster said:
...With the pump, the horns, stohe crossmember, the generator, and the belt removed, and the radiator unbolted to facilitate changing the hoses, too, can the fan be lifted upwards and out?...
Click to expand...

Tony - Since Lyle hasn't been seen here in over a decade I'll try to answer.

I replaced the stock fan on my (former) TR3A with a tropical fan and had no problem removing the old fan even with everything in place that you have removed so I do not foresee a problem.

I was working on a lift so I almost certainly took it out from below but it should come out upwards too -- if not, then just drop it!
 
@Geo Hahn: Thanks so much for your reassurance. Despite an incredible amount of advice to the contrary, I just knew the fan could come out without having to take the Apron off. I wondered why so many folks had a great deal of trouble doing it. Glad to find someone (you) who has done exactly what I'm doing and did it without a problem. I too have a lift at my disposal so whether up or down, it's being swapped without removling the car's nose, and as you said, with the pump, generator, crossmember, horns and belt removed, it should be a snap in comparison to the alternative. Your post was most helpful.
Tony
P.S. For Google searches to this page: TR3A Cooling Fan Removal
 
CDToaster said:
...with the pump, generator, crossmember, horns and belt removed, it should be a snap...
Click to expand...

Well, maybe not 'a snap' but hopefully this side of doable.

It may be easier if the prior installer used blue LocTite instead of the locking tabs that bend over the bolt head. Also helpful if the crank hole is still in place in the radiator as often there is a crank position where the little bolt heads are exposed to that crank hole one at a time - gains you some clearance for removing and installing the bolts. A ratcheting box wrench may be useful here.

I can certainly understand your reluctance to mess with a freshly painted apron.
 
@Geo: Thanks again. Yes, I was the one who put the 4 blade fan on (many years ago) and no, I didn't use the locking tabs and no, I didn't put loctight either just in case I wanted to remove the fan again. I knew NOT to impede that job in the future by doing such things and yes, my radiator's crank hole is lined-up with the dog and yes, I have a full set of ratcheting fine tooth Gearwrench brand box wrenches and even ratcheting open end wrenches, too, which come in quite handy at times like these. I built that car and bought every tool I ever needed to do every job I've ever done so yep, I'm fully equipped with all the special tools that will allow me to get into every crevice for every nut, bolt, and screw on that car. My tool box is way bigger than me. Perhaps the most special TR3 tool I have is a ratcheting half-inch thin wall universal swivel 6 point 1/4" drive socket which is the only tool that will allow the removal of the rearmost carburetor stud-mounted nut. That back nut is a ballbreaker to get off and takes forever without that special socket which makes it truly a "snap."
Thanks so much and I really appreciate your advice. I hope my/our posts help others.
Tony
 
Here's my engine well:
Sorry for being so proud...

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Very neat and tidy. Do you have a fuel filter before the fuel pump as well?

I am amazed what it can collect. I thought my tank was clean and rust free.

David
Fuel filter 2s.jpg
 
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