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Canadian Poncho Homepage -> Canadian Poncho -> 65-70 Full Size Power Train Tech Forum -> Can a cooling fan be too close to a radiator?
Post Info TOPIC: Can a cooling fan be too close to a radiator?
cdnpont


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Can a cooling fan be too close to a radiator?
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Ready to move into finishing the cooling on the 65. I had mocked up the aluminum rad on the large 67 spacer, and the fan sits really close to the rad. Close in like just a little bit better than 1/4"

Might be able to gain a little more when everything gets bolted in. Still have to add tabs to the spacer to accommodate the aluminum rad.

Running a heavy stock 4 blade steel fan, so I can't see it flexing.

 

Any danger of it being too close? Any loss in efficiency? Is there a sweet spot it should sit at? I can just use a shorter spacer if it will be an issue.

Thanks, Mark



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Brian


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My 64 Beaumont shop manual says 3/4in space rad to fan.

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66 Beau


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Ive always heard the 3/4 number too. I think any further away and efficiency drops off since the fan will start picking up air from the side instead of through the rad. Closer might improve efficiency, but I would be worried. Rubber engine & tranny mounts allow some movement during rapid stops. Ive seen numerous rads get wrecked in a collision even when there was no sheet metal damage (old rubber mounts, but still..). Also, our old cars can flex a fair bit when driving over uneven ground. 1/4 is pretty tight.
JMHO.

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73SC


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I just did a web search, found this pretty good piece from Lockhart Machine shop in Jasper Ontario

FAN CLEARANCE

They are suggesting 1" and 3/4" clearance, have a read.



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Canadian Poncho


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Perhaps ditch the factory fan and run electric?

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dualquadpete


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I went "electric on both my cars & removed mechanical " propeller", used "puller" 15" fans and so far no overheating. Fans have a probe thru rad that is set for 185 F + I installed "over ride switch to turn them on if need be. Both 64's have a shroud which I left in place. can't remember if 65's have a factory shroud but would suggest on be there?

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cdnpont


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Thanks guys. It's true that flexing in these old cars could cause contact if too close. I can see and understand that.

I've ordered a Derale 1.5" spacer from amazon to replace my 2" GM part. Should come tomorrow. Will end up with around 3/4" with the new spacer.

Electric will always be the ultimate in control, but I figure with the aluminum rad, good and square spacing to the fan, I should have no cooling issues even without a shroud or a bigger fan. We'll see, but I'm fairly confident.

 



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4SPEED427


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My 427 cools perfectly with that stock appearing aluminum rad from Auto City along with the original 283 solid 4 blade fan. I would sure hope your 327 would react the same way.

I agree with the rest, 1/4" is scary.



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oshawacliff


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I like Pete's idea. 

I find running on the highway or even in the city the temp guage stays about 180 which I am comfortable with.

When I stop for a few minutes the temp guage rises quickly and I am always watching it.  Get going and is settles back down with some air flow through the rad. 

I considered electric. 

I am always running the A/C

I messed with spacers when the rad was put in.  Has custom shroud, fan to shroud about 1.00 inch with 18 inch flex fan.



-- Edited by oshawacliff on Wednesday 2nd of September 2020 12:55:25 PM

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