Fan Blade Clearance?
 

After switching to an Offy regular dual intake on my 39 Standard I've noticed my generator mounted fan blades just barely clears the bottom of the top tank of the radiator that extends back over the fan on the 1937 - 39 standard models and that's before tightening the belt. Just wondered if any of you guys may have run into a similar problem. I'd considered take some material of the tips of the blades? Thanks fellas!

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

Can you use a shorter belt to lower the generator slightly? A photo would help.

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

The rear of the generator in resting on the intake so it's down as far as it will go. Thanks

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

What diameter fan do you have ? 4-blade ? Might find a slightly smaller one. Someone previously put a (somewhat noisy) 6-blade fan on my '47 presumably to increase cooling. I notice however there's about 2-1/2 inch gap between fan and radiator which may reduce the fan's cooling effect.

If you shave the fan tips be careful to keep the fan balanced.

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

I had a similar problem with my 34 with a 59ab and a alternator. I solved it by some fabrication to the front motor mounts and a shorter belt. Ken

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

Can you lower the radiator?

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

I think I'd actually need to raise the radiator in order to get more clearance. Radiator hoses and two small ear like braces at the top wouldn't make that too easy. Thanks

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

Radiator shop to modify top tank.
Bruce

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

I assume you know that the generator mounted lower starting in 1937 and I am sure through at least '39. As much as I hate to say it but would a plastic fan work? Next option is to shorten the blades on the fan but be sure to balance it. PM me if you want to go back to a stock manifold.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

I bet it seemed like such a simple project when you started.

You might need to get an offset generator mount and then make a fan mount out of a shortened generator to bolt to the front of the intake.

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

That is what I did on a 33.

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

I say KISS (keep it simple - stupid) and as such, remove only what's necessary from the fan blades.
If done carefully (same amount from each blade) you should be "good to go". You'll know as soon as the fan is installed and the engine is started. If it vibrates, have the fan balanced... cheap and easy for any decent machine shop.

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

Just a reminder. A very old fan blade,depending on it's condition, may have microscopic flaws that over the years have caused the fan blades to work harden due to flexing billions of times. You can still see the repair welding on the underside of my hood where the original fan blade went thru the hood in and radiator in 1971 while I was standing in the line of fire. Very lucky. Not balancing a fan can comeback to kill you. I didn't modify the blades. It just flew apart.

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

Good and valid point...

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

a fan braking up at any RPM is a real problem child for beautiful paint and bodywork. one coming apart when you're admiring dual carbs wouldn't be a great deal of fun either. It's one of my big fears with these old rigs. i have my blades x-rayed at a plant that produces pipe for the pipeline industry.

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

Ron, Bet you could actually start a side business x-raying critical parts. I was standing right next to the front fender giving it gas.

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

How about magnafluxing the fan?

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

I guess that the radiator tank extending back over the top of the fan blades might be to your advantage in that type situation? Thanks guys!

Re: Fan Blade Clearance?
 

Good idea about magnafluxing. Any automotive machine shop can do that in a matter of minutes.