The Ford Barn

stickshift · 10-16-2023, 02:18 PM

I noticed on my newly acquired T that the fan blades are very close to the radiator fins. The car came with a spare used fan assy. but the shaft is the same length. I'm not sure if this is normal, but it concerns me. At the price of these brass radiators, I don't want to take chances. The gap is about 1/4 inch! Can the radiator be moved forward?

rotorwrench · 10-17-2023, 01:20 PM

I don't know what the normal range is but they are close as practicable for best draw. Moving the radiator will affect the hood fit. Maintain it well and there should be no problem.

oldmotorsguy · 10-31-2023, 08:27 AM

1/4" clearance between spinning fan and radiator fins sounds good. The closer, the better, as more air is moved through the fins, hence better cooling. You are fine with this amount of clearance.

If it really, REALLY bothers you, then simply bend each fin back to allow more clearance. Try to bend each fin equal distance. This will slightly decrease the air flow through the radiator, but you will sleep better at night.

oldmotorsguy · 10-31-2023, 08:29 AM

"bend each fin", no. Bend each fan blade.

rotorwrench · 10-31-2023, 02:16 PM

A person risks putting a blade out of track if bending blades. This will induce a vibration along the axis of the fan shaft. A person would want that fan to be as vibration free as it could get.

[email protected] · 11-01-2023, 04:16 PM

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I agree. The closer the better as long as the blades have clearance for the radiator.

10-16-2023, 02:18 PM	#1
stickshift Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Grass Valley, Ca Posts: 247	Fan to radiator clearance I noticed on my newly acquired T that the fan blades are very close to the radiator fins. The car came with a spare used fan assy. but the shaft is the same length. I'm not sure if this is normal, but it concerns me. At the price of these brass radiators, I don't want to take chances. The gap is about 1/4 inch! Can the radiator be moved forward? __________________ Stickshift 1915 Model T touring 1931 Ford Model AA Flatbed

10-17-2023, 01:20 PM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: Fan to radiator clearance I don't know what the normal range is but they are close as practicable for best draw. Moving the radiator will affect the hood fit. Maintain it well and there should be no problem.

10-31-2023, 08:27 AM	#3
oldmotorsguy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Crossville, Tennessee Posts: 157	Re: Fan to radiator clearance 1/4" clearance between spinning fan and radiator fins sounds good. The closer, the better, as more air is moved through the fins, hence better cooling. You are fine with this amount of clearance. If it really, REALLY bothers you, then simply bend each fin back to allow more clearance. Try to bend each fin equal distance. This will slightly decrease the air flow through the radiator, but you will sleep better at night.

10-31-2023, 08:29 AM	#4
oldmotorsguy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Crossville, Tennessee Posts: 157	Re: Fan to radiator clearance "bend each fin", no. Bend each fan blade.

10-31-2023, 02:16 PM	#5
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: Fan to radiator clearance A person risks putting a blade out of track if bending blades. This will induce a vibration along the axis of the fan shaft. A person would want that fan to be as vibration free as it could get.

11-01-2023, 04:16 PM	#6
[email protected] Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Sharon, Conn. Posts: 114	Re: Fan to radiator clearance Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I agree. The closer the better as long as the blades have clearance for the radiator.