6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

I was sorting thru some 35-36 style generators-the style where the fan mounts on the end of the generator. I found one with a 6 blade fan still bolted up-like what you see on a center mount setup-like a 40. Did any 35/36 use the 6 blade fan? Maybe trucks? I'm taking it apart today-but it sure looks like it will bolt up with no modification and might swap out with the 4 blade fan. Thanks in advance

Re: 6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

Yes, the six blade was available in '35-'36. As kind of an experiment, I did bolt one up to my '35 to see what would happen. It did have a considerable effect on cooling but it sure was noisy. I am now back to the four blade.

Tom

Re: 6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

I have put one on the alternator of my 59A for my '36 that I have just got running. I have not had it on the road yet. I built a fan shroud and have 180* thermostats on it. From just running it in the garage and around the back yard so far the thing will not heat up above 155* as read on 3 mechanical gauges. Yep, 3! That 6 blade moves a lot of air.

Maybe after I get it on the road and under load it will run hotter. It seems to me that Ford had the right idea with the fan on those year models spinning in the upper half of the radiator.

Re: 6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

If that 6 blade fan is mounted to a conventional type alternator, I would be concerned about that front bearing not being designed to take the addional load of that fan. I know some will say they have been doing just that for a zillion years, BUT... I would not personally take that risk.

Re: 6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

John the alternators I made in the 39 type Ford generator shells have two sets of bearings in the front so I'm not concerned of the load.
Bullrun I have tried several Ford 6 blade fans they made a little improvement but I couldn't take the noise they make. I was searching through Schramm compressor's parts attic and found some 6 blade industrial fans, some pushers and some pullers. I adapted several to my generators and had to trim the blades. This was over 7 years ago with a lot of miles and no problems. I used grade 8 bolts and a drop of lok-tite on each. I check to make sure the blade is tight and see no problems. The Ford blade throws the air off to the side toward the hood louvers where the industrial blade throws it back over the engine. These fans made a big difference in cooling. Someone should reproduce these, where's Dick S ??? G.M.

Re: 6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

I've got the 6-blade fan on my 34 (with 36LB engine), and I've been very satisfied with it. I'm not bothered with noise - I didn't even notice , and, yes it throws a noticable amount of air. JMO

Re: 6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

John, I worried about the bearing. I decided that on a road trip or maybe one of the car's on board spare parts I will carry will be an alternator. So, first sign of noise like a bearing going bad, it will get swapped.

Re: 6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

Re: 6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

Here's how to tell if the 6 blade fan that you find will work on 1935-1936 passenger cars. Place the fan hub down on a flat surface (table) if the blades are holding the hub above the flat surface it will fit the passenger car ( a gap between table and hub). The space between the generator and radiator require a specific distance and there is no room for the truck 6 blade fan with longer hub and longer blades.

Re: 6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

Has anyone used one (a fan) on a Powergen?
Iv mounted one but the car is a long way from running … would be nice to know.

I decided id try it after reasoning …. If properly balanced shouldn’t a generator or alternator not even know its there??????

Re: 6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

I have a friend that has a GM alt in his 35 pickup, with the fan mounted to it. we went on a shake down run and at 45 mph it felt like the motor was going to come apart, a very bad vibration. we drove back to his shop, and took the fan off. then we where on our way. problem solved

Re: 6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

So, was the fan out of balance, bent, what? Inquiring minds want to know.

Re: 6 blade fan for 35 Ford?
 

I built a rig to check fan balance. I also had one that shook. I welded a disk onto a rod and machined it so the fan would attach to it. I mounted the shaft in a couple of bearings. I played with it untill it did not have a heavy spot. I have also expeienced a bent pulley. Replaced the pulley and all was fine.
Here is a pic of the fan I put on my coupe. It keeps the engine very cool.