Flex Fan Disaster - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MR MAGOO · 02-06-2007, 02:20 PM

Check Out What A Flex Fan Will Do To Your Hood When It Breaks. Had I Been Leaning Under The Hood When This Happened It Wood Have Been The End To Mr Magoo!! Has This Ever Happend To Any One Else?

jimmydean · 02-06-2007, 02:24 PM

I can tell what the under hood pic is showing. The top of the hood looks bad though.

**fine69** · 02-06-2007, 02:33 PM

I saw the same thing happen before. On a 73 Gran Torino. I never hang over the fan now. Would have cut me in half.

71swb4x4 · 02-06-2007, 02:40 PM

Flex fans have a tendancy to do that. If you own a vehicle with one, take it off!!!!!

IMO the two worst things you can have on an engine (as far as safety goes) are a flex fan and a foam air filter.

woodridge · 02-06-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

Flex fans have a tendancy to do that. If you own a vehicle with one, take it off!!!!!

IMO the two worst things you can have on an engine (as far as safety goes) are a flex fan and a foam air filter.

My sentiments exactly! When metal continually bends it work hardens and will eventually break. This is a perfect example.

67ChevyRedneck · 02-06-2007, 02:42 PM

Ouch!

Sport/Truck · 02-06-2007, 02:43 PM

Did that happen at idle? I would have thought it to let go with some throttle.
I asked about flex fans but the majority suggested to stay away from them.
s/t

1LoC10 · 02-06-2007, 02:46 PM

yeah I seen the same thing happen on an s10... reason why I would never have a flex fan

MR MAGOO · 02-06-2007, 02:48 PM

i was revving it up when it happend, checking my throttle cable. i thought it had slung a rod or blew up!!

bagged91 · 02-06-2007, 02:51 PM

I had one let loose on my 69' Bird 400 coupe years ago. Went right thru the ram-air hood like yours did(plus chopped the radiator hose). Never ran one again...

ND_guy · 02-06-2007, 03:00 PM

If you want another flex fan(I doubt you do) you can have my old one. First thing I did when I got my pickup was to take that grenade off and put a factory fan back on.

Southedisto · 02-06-2007, 03:25 PM

I have heard of it, but never seen the results. I definitely won't have one now.

Myself · 02-06-2007, 03:31 PM

Flex fans are pretty hard on water pumps too.

**Yukon Jack** · 02-06-2007, 03:55 PM

About 2 summers ago one killed a guy in the Wichita area. Won't catch one on my vehicles.

67ChevyRedneck · 02-06-2007, 04:02 PM

OK.... the one on the 67 will soon be removed! I thought this was an isolated incident. Never heard of this happening before!

**Yukon Jack** · 02-06-2007, 04:06 PM

This post ought to be put in the other forums for all to see - alot of people think it is a myth that these are dangerous - it's no myth!

bagged91 · 02-06-2007, 04:10 PM

I agree 100%...

FarmTruk · 02-06-2007, 04:24 PM

WOW...thanks for sharing this. On another forum (fullsizechevy.com), there have been several questions lately about which flex-fan was best. I've never been a fan of them, but NEVER actually seen what can happen. Glad you were not injured, and the hood can be repaired.

texascowboy593 · 02-06-2007, 04:25 PM

Holy Crap! I guess I'll be removing mine very soon!

49studebaker · 02-06-2007, 04:26 PM

I had the same thing happen to fan clutch assembly in my 68 GTO, it hadn't disengaged and under hard acceleration one blade busted off. It didn't make it through the hood due to the fact it got stuck between the hood and the reinforcment. It did make a dent on the outside though.

A.P. · 02-06-2007, 04:36 PM

Wow, I'm glad you were not checking the tranny oil when that happened.

Longhorn Man · 02-06-2007, 04:37 PM

this is exactly why I've been preaching about this for years.
GM even had a recall on factory flex fans.
Glad no one was hurt, the hood can be replaced, but they haven't perfected reataching one's head yet.

**truckster** · 01-16-2013, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Glad no one was hurt, the hood can be replaced, but they haven't perfected reataching one's head yet.

I thought LocTite had come up with a product for that.

*Shane* · 02-06-2007, 04:45 PM

Pisser about your hood ... but sure glad you're ok.

Thanks for sharing.

FLEET72 · 02-06-2007, 04:58 PM

My '89 S-10 2.5L had a plastic fan and took out the hood and shroud before I realized there was a recall issued for it. I was the 3rd owner and the truck was 13 years old at the time it happened so no warranty. Scared the livin' snot outta me. I was accelerating hard after turning into the flow of traffic trying to merge and KABOOM! I thought it tossed a rod because I saw the hood jump and a shadow moving skyward. Gathered up the pieces, drove home and put an electric fan on.

02-06-2007, 02:20 PM	#1
MR MAGOO Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: minden la Posts: 80	Flex Fan Disaster Check Out What A Flex Fan Will Do To Your Hood When It Breaks. Had I Been Leaning Under The Hood When This Happened It Wood Have Been The End To Mr Magoo!! Has This Ever Happend To Any One Else? Attached Images __________________ 1972 C-10 SWB 350CI TURBO 350 TRANNY, TILT, POWER WINDOW & BRAKES, TANK UNDER THE BED W/MARKER LIGHT FILLER. 3.08 GEARS, CLASSIC AIR :hit2: :hit2: 4 WHEEL DISK BRAKES 2000 chevy blazer 1990 nissan pick-up 1984 mazda pick-up (son's project truck)

02-06-2007, 02:24 PM	#2
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: Flex Fan Disaster I can tell what the under hood pic is showing. The top of the hood looks bad though. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210

02-06-2007, 02:33 PM	#3
fine69 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Urbana,Ohio,USA Posts: 4,618	Re: Flex Fan Disaster I saw the same thing happen before. On a 73 Gran Torino. I never hang over the fan now. Would have cut me in half. __________________ 2008 Chevy HHR 1/2 panel. 1949 Chevy Panel truck(just sittin, waiting) Board member #6

02-06-2007, 02:40 PM	#4
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Flex Fan Disaster Flex fans have a tendancy to do that. If you own a vehicle with one, take it off!!!!! IMO the two worst things you can have on an engine (as far as safety goes) are a flex fan and a foam air filter. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

02-06-2007, 02:42 PM	#6
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Flex Fan Disaster Ouch! __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

02-06-2007, 02:43 PM	#7
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Flex Fan Disaster Did that happen at idle? I would have thought it to let go with some throttle. I asked about flex fans but the majority suggested to stay away from them. s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

02-06-2007, 02:46 PM	#8
1LoC10 Insert Title Here Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dyer, Indiana Posts: 5,679	Re: Flex Fan Disaster yeah I seen the same thing happen on an s10... reason why I would never have a flex fan __________________ BOBBY _69 SWB_ 1000 pics of 67-72's>> http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z...-72/?start=all <<

02-06-2007, 02:48 PM	#9
MR MAGOO Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: minden la Posts: 80	Re: Flex Fan Disaster i was revving it up when it happend, checking my throttle cable. i thought it had slung a rod or blew up!! __________________ 1972 C-10 SWB 350CI TURBO 350 TRANNY, TILT, POWER WINDOW & BRAKES, TANK UNDER THE BED W/MARKER LIGHT FILLER. 3.08 GEARS, CLASSIC AIR :hit2: :hit2: 4 WHEEL DISK BRAKES 2000 chevy blazer 1990 nissan pick-up 1984 mazda pick-up (son's project truck)

02-06-2007, 02:51 PM	#10
bagged91 Out draggin' Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Pitman,NJ Posts: 1,574	Re: Flex Fan Disaster I had one let loose on my 69' Bird 400 coupe years ago. Went right thru the ram-air hood like yours did(plus chopped the radiator hose). Never ran one again... __________________ 91 GMC Xcab LB-Bags/bd/caddy clip SOLD 72 C10 Cheyenne Super LWB SOLD 92 GMC K1500 Burb 72 C10 Burb (ex. Cheesewagon)SOLD 72 C20 Burb parts truck 71 C10 Burb "project"

02-06-2007, 03:00 PM	#11
ND_guy Tool Addiction=Money Shortage Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 233	Re: Flex Fan Disaster If you want another flex fan(I doubt you do) you can have my old one. First thing I did when I got my pickup was to take that grenade off and put a factory fan back on. __________________ 1967 K20 400TBI SM465/NP205 posi front, Detroit locker 4.56 rear

02-06-2007, 03:25 PM	#12
Southedisto River life...... Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Soldotna AK Posts: 1,078	Re: Flex Fan Disaster I have heard of it, but never seen the results. I definitely won't have one now. __________________ I like wheelin in Dixie!

02-06-2007, 03:31 PM	#13
Myself Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Arkansas Posts: 1,136	Re: Flex Fan Disaster Flex fans are pretty hard on water pumps too.

02-06-2007, 03:55 PM	#14
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Re: Flex Fan Disaster About 2 summers ago one killed a guy in the Wichita area. Won't catch one on my vehicles. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

02-06-2007, 04:02 PM	#15
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Flex Fan Disaster OK.... the one on the 67 will soon be removed! I thought this was an isolated incident. Never heard of this happening before! __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

02-06-2007, 04:06 PM	#16
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Re: Flex Fan Disaster This post ought to be put in the other forums for all to see - alot of people think it is a myth that these are dangerous - it's no myth! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14



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02-06-2007, 04:10 PM	#17
bagged91 Out draggin' Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Pitman,NJ Posts: 1,574	Re: Flex Fan Disaster I agree 100%... __________________ 91 GMC Xcab LB-Bags/bd/caddy clip SOLD 72 C10 Cheyenne Super LWB SOLD 92 GMC K1500 Burb 72 C10 Burb (ex. Cheesewagon)SOLD 72 C20 Burb parts truck 71 C10 Burb "project"

02-06-2007, 04:24 PM	#18
FarmTruk In Memoriam... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wallburg, NC Posts: 1,216	Re: Flex Fan Disaster WOW...thanks for sharing this. On another forum (fullsizechevy.com), there have been several questions lately about which flex-fan was best. I've never been a fan of them, but NEVER actually seen what can happen. Glad you were not injured, and the hood can be repaired. __________________ '68 C10 SWB 307ci 2BBL *FarmTruk Pics Here* *"You know, doing what is right is easy. The problem is knowing what is right."*

02-06-2007, 04:25 PM	#19
texascowboy593 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southeast Tx Posts: 1,302	Re: Flex Fan Disaster Holy Crap! I guess I'll be removing mine very soon! __________________ "The rays of light thru the Shiner Bock bottle make me wanna turn the key and put down the throttle...and get lost down 35" - Jason Boland www.YouTube.com/user/593Films - Watch My Videos! 1977 Silverado K10 2014 Dodge Durango (Wife-mobile) 2008 Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition (Daily driver)

02-06-2007, 04:26 PM	#20
49studebaker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Victor, Montana Posts: 386	Re: Flex Fan Disaster I had the same thing happen to fan clutch assembly in my 68 GTO, it hadn't disengaged and under hard acceleration one blade busted off. It didn't make it through the hood due to the fact it got stuck between the hood and the reinforcment. It did make a dent on the outside though. __________________ 04 4x4 GMC Ext. Cab lifted 71 2wd GMC / Ramjet 350 ready for sheet metal 49 Studebaker pickup

02-06-2007, 04:36 PM	#21
A.P. Black 72 Chevy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 662	Re: Flex Fan Disaster Wow, I'm glad you were not checking the tranny oil when that happened. __________________ 72 Chevy, SWB, 350engine, TH400

02-06-2007, 04:37 PM	#22
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Flex Fan Disaster this is exactly why I've been preaching about this for years. GM even had a recall on factory flex fans. Glad no one was hurt, the hood can be replaced, but they haven't perfected reataching one's head yet.

02-06-2007, 04:45 PM	#24
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Flex Fan Disaster Pisser about your hood ... but sure glad you're ok. Thanks for sharing. Last edited by Shane; 02-06-2007 at 04:45 PM.

02-06-2007, 04:58 PM	#25
FLEET72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sonoma, CA Posts: 521	Re: Flex Fan Disaster My '89 S-10 2.5L had a plastic fan and took out the hood and shroud before I realized there was a recall issued for it. I was the 3rd owner and the truck was 13 years old at the time it happened so no warranty. Scared the livin' snot outta me. I was accelerating hard after turning into the flow of traffic trying to merge and KABOOM! I thought it tossed a rod because I saw the hood jump and a shadow moving skyward. Gathered up the pieces, drove home and put an electric fan on. __________________ Oscar '72 Shortbed Fleetside '95 Jimmy 4X4 '69 GMC Custom Camper

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