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Old 04-21-2018, 03:52 AM   #1
woofa.express
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Question radiator fan efficiency

I read with interest an earlier discussion on fans. people have preferences for differing reasons. however no one spoke on efficiency.
the two blade.
the four blade
and the plastic six blade.


I am running the plastic six blade. It has a large hub and blade length is short. I wonder if it is efficient. how it compares. Not appearance but ability to move air.


I am open to suggestions. cheers, gary
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Old 04-21-2018, 06:41 AM   #2
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

Most of our Guys are HAPPY with the 6 Blade, Plastic Fans...
Bill Cool
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Old 04-21-2018, 06:59 AM   #3
WHN
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

Once the car is moving the fan really doesn’t do much to help the cooling.

If you have a correctly restored cooling system, good radiator, two blade fan, water pump, engine side pans, and properly timed. My view is you should not have any overheating problems.

I don’t run with a thermostat, and use only distilled water with rust inhibitor.

I have never had a Model A over heat. Engine runs at around 165 degrees. Heat is one of the biggest reasons for engine failure.
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Old 04-21-2018, 09:43 AM   #4
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

Quote:
Originally Posted by WHN View Post
Once the car is moving the fan really doesn’t do much to help the cooling.

If you have a correctly restored cooling system, good radiator, two blade fan, water pump, engine side pans, and properly timed. My view is you should not have any overheating problems.

I don’t run with a thermostat, and use only distilled water with rust inhibitor.

I have never had a Model A over heat. Engine runs at around 165 degrees. Heat is one of the biggest reasons for engine failure.


a question for you WHN. Is it your opinion that engine side pans aid cooling?
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Old 04-21-2018, 10:12 AM   #5
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

More facts to ponder.
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Old 04-21-2018, 10:26 AM   #6
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

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Quote:
Originally Posted by woofa.express View Post
a question for you WHN. Is it your opinion that engine side pans aid cooling?
It is my understanding that they were designed to help direct air flow around and down the back of engine. Without them you have turbulence from the road and front end. Think of a wind tunnel or funnel effect.

Yes, I believe they are the little bit extra needed to keep your car from overheating. Right weight engine oil also.

We always install them, never have had any kind of problems. Enjoy.
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Old 04-21-2018, 01:44 PM   #7
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

I agree with WHM, engines pans are part of the engine cooling system.

I also believe you should replace a original 2 blade fan with a new aluminum 2 blade, as the original can rust from the inside where you can not see, and it does not show up if you have the fan magnefluxed.

Ron
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Old 04-21-2018, 04:57 PM   #8
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

hello TinCup.
thankyou for your response. that is just the info I wish to have. however the print is too small to read and if I expand it on my computer it is unreadable. is it possible you can send it in another format or email it to me in a bigger format.
[email protected]


with thanks gary
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Old 04-21-2018, 05:05 PM   #9
Chuck Sea/Tac
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

There’s an article covering this in an early issue of the modelA times. Basically there is no difference. The cfm is fairly equal between the different fans. I’m surprised John Lavoy hasn’t jumped in. (Editor of said mag)
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Old 04-22-2018, 03:06 PM   #10
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

thankyou WHN. I can agree with what you are saying however there is probably one difference between your car and mine. I have installed a plastic 6 blader and a shroud. The shroud and very large hub on the fan inhibit the airflow. about 3/4 of the radiator is obstructed.
what are your thoughts on that please.
with thanks, in anticipation, gary.
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Old 04-22-2018, 03:29 PM   #11
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

Sitting in your garage having a couple of beers looking at your car. I would probably ask you if you were happy with how your car ran and looked.

If your answer was yes. I would say leave it alone.

If it were mine. I would change the fan to a new aluminum one with leakless water pump, and remove shroud. The more surface area the better with your radiator.

My position is that the more orginal the car, the better. It has worked for 90 years. Someday, these cars will no longer be ours. If we screw them up, it will be harder on the next generation of owners.

Bill

Last edited by WHN; 04-22-2018 at 03:35 PM.
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Old 04-22-2018, 05:03 PM   #12
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

Try this one.
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Old 04-22-2018, 05:23 PM   #13
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

"remove the shroud" ? I have noticed in Street Rod magazine for years that most all builds include a fan shroud. These guys are running high HP engines with minimal frontal air intake and are focusing the airflow to cool the block.
How could it possibly hurt our 40HP Model A to use the same thinking?
Ford started out with the shroud and then dropped it in early 1929, was this just a manufacturing cost thing?
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Old 04-22-2018, 09:04 PM   #14
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

The few cars I have had a shroud on had electric fans. The did satisfactorily keep the coolant from boiling and both used a 160 degree thermostat. Neither had the splash pans as one had a chevvy 4 and the other one had an overhead (Cragar) though I have no idea why the pans were left off.
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Old 04-23-2018, 04:11 PM   #15
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

thankyou WHN.
yes I am pleased with the appearance but not the running. it runs better on cool days, as I am aware all cars do. it runs better for the first 5 miles. then the temp gets to 210F. I have decided to replace the radiator. mine is not standard. I have only just picked this up. there are no tubes. or they are encased. they turn 30 degrees to the left as viewed from the drivers seat.
pleased with the running? I have elected to retain 6v system. it starts well. the lights have poor range at night but I drive at night only if I get caught out at dusk and are close to home.
thanks again. gary
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Old 04-23-2018, 07:08 PM   #16
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

try this one I found:

http://tulsamodelafordclub.com/Technical-Tips.php
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Old 04-24-2018, 02:40 PM   #17
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Default Re: radiator fan efficiency

re fan efficiency. well that answered the question Benson. thankyou. gary
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