fan / radiator hose distance ??

[66gt350]

Even with all the distractions of the Clover fire and getting evacuated for a couple of days, I finally got my new aluminum radiator in with the outlet on the driver's side installed. I had to ditch the electric fan, since this radiator is a little thicker and the fan won't fit between the waterpump and the new radiator. So, I went back to a mechanical fan. I found a reverse rotation fan and spacer that works, but now I'm looking at the upper radiator hose and wondering if I have a problem. The fan is about 1/2" from the upper radiator hose and about 1/2" from the shroud at the top. Is that too little? I'm wondering if the fan will it hit the radiator hose when the engine torques?

Any thoughts? do I yank this and return it and put in my old radiator?
thanks

 

[kb3]

I can't offer anything on the close distance but are you running the 5.0 water pump and accessory setup?

I had a problem with no room for the electric fan and radiator problem. I converted to the Explorer 5.0 water pump and related accessories and gained 2" of room. It requires all the Explorer parts but you end up with a nice 4g alternator!

 

[66gt350]

Thanks. But I'm not sure if going to the explorer water pump is an option for me. I'm running a 3g alt, and so far have had no problems with it. But it's the KRC powersteering pump that might cause the explorer waterpump not to work.

The other issue with the electric fan is the diameter. It seems that this aluminum radiator has a larger reservoirs on the top and bottom and the tube length is a bit shorter, so my electric fan don't fit against the tubes/fins between the reservoirs. So, I'm stuck with this fan or return it all and go back to what I had. Maybe I could get the radiator shop to swap the outlet on my radiator from passenger to driver's side.

Did I mention that all I could find quickly was a flex fan. I've been reading some say that they're great, and some say that they're bad. I think I need a beer to figure this out....

 

[cmayna]

Rob,
1/2" between the blades and both upper hose and shroud seems a little tight but I don't think we'll be seeing the blades extend in length touching anything.

But hopefully someone else will chime in to confirm if your setup is good to go.

 

[66gt350]

Thanks Craig. I drove the car to work this morning and didn't split the upper radiator hose. I think with the motor mount that I have, homemade based on buening's design, I won't have a whole lot of motor torquing. So, I think that I'll be ok.

 

[kb3]

Thanks Craig. I drove the car to work this morning and didn't split the upper radiator hose. I think with the motor mount that I have, homemade based on buening's design, I won't have a whole lot of motor torquing. So, I think that I'll be ok.

You could always find some nice polished stainless to wrap that section of the hose with. At least if the fan did come in contact, you would hear it!