VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Electric Fan To Keep Engine Cool?

Has anyone attached an electric fan to their radiator? Electric fans seem common to hot rodders, but can't seem to find the topic here.
Thank you
Michael

One of the reasons hot rodders use them is that with a V8 transplant, there usually isn't enough room either in the vertical or fore and aft for a regular fan. A friend just put one on his 36 Pontiac. I noticed that the blades on the electric fan take up almost all the area in it's circle. In other words, there is very little space between the blades. So I think the area behind the fan would not benefit from natural airflow going down the road. Also I found out that you can get them in six volt as well as twelve volt.

fan would be place forward of the radiator and pull air through it

There is also the option of installing the larger heavy duty fan. I just installed one on mine but the motor is apart right now. Mine was an NOS unit on Ebay. They are listed as 16 1/4" as apposed to 15 1/4". However the blades are quite a bit wider and the scoops quite a bit more aggressive.

the more pitch to the fan blades and the wider, the greater the draw thru the radiator.

Really helps in cooling a motor down.

mike

You can't find the topic here because this is a restorer's forum. If you're running a stock engine and are overheating, then there's something wrong with your coolant system, which should be fixed, not have a 'bandage' attached.

If you're running a hot rod, that's fine, but you're on the wrong forum - Try the Jalopy Journal / HAMB site for info.

Just my 2¢

Just so I understand, If your vehicle is not 100% original you cannot ask a question?

There has been a lot of posts on the subject of overheating. I get the impression that some of these old Chevs cannot be run stationary for extended periods of time because they will overheat. Some are like this even after the blocks are cleaned and the rad replaced. To me, this is a real problem as in operating in a traffic jam etc. If I face this situation, a six volt fan might be my choice of how to fix it. So I think discussion of electric fan options is very pertinent.

And if you do go to the jalopy journal / hamb there is a special section there for Chevrolets called TERMITES AND BOWTIES.

MIKE LYNCH ....35 CHEVROLET STD COUPE STREET ROD
...............35 CHEVROLET STD PHAETON STREET ROD
...............35 CHEVROLET STD ROADSTER STREET ROD UNDER CONSTRUCTION

I have run newly rebuilt engines with clean cooling passages, new efficient radiator cores, good condition hoses and rebuilt water pump for extended periods without any over heating in 95 deg temps. Have even run Cathy's '31 Fire Truck in parades at slow speeds in 100 deg. heat without water loss. Did need to increase RPM to keep the fuel pump cool periodically. Had to pour a little water on it a few times.

The problems are mostly due to loss of cooling efficiency in radiators. All passages are not flowing to their maximum. That being the case less heat can be transferred to the atmosphere. Less often clogged engine cooling passages that spread their debris to the radiator and/or dramatically reduce the flow through the block and head.

Chevrolets are not like the flathead V-8 Fords with inherent cooling problems. Even with two water pumps and other fixes throughout production our '51 Ford Custom liked to heat up every summer day.

My stock '40 with a flushed out block and rad, new thermostat, 70/30 mix of IOT coolant does not vary much outside of 180-190F at operating temperture no matter the speed or the ambient temperature. However, I have heard on occasion that '40s were notorious hot runners.

Isn't that Jack Looks car ?? I think he has one just like it.

Was Peter Kaiser of Whitby just up at your place doing work on your yard. ??

mike

Mike,

Will send you a PM 'cause we are off topic now!

I answered it the momentary INTERUPTION in the thread .

Now lets all get back to discussing overheating problems and how electric fans are the greatest thing since sliced bread.!!!!


mike

WRONG, an electric fan mounted in the front of the radiator is designed to ***push*** air thru the radiator.

Drawing the hot air ***back*** thru the radiator is counter productive. Makes no sense.

mike lynch

What year of car are you having issues with,I think I have read that pre 40s do have a tendency to heat up a little. I have a 37 p/u with a 57 motor that has a 54 water pump and with a 4 row radiator it will idle all day long and not go over 180,I had a 4 row radiator made because I was going to install the dealer installed a/c from a 60 car until I found out it was too large for the 37 cab.