4 core in..how close is to close to the fan?

[quick60]

Well I finally got the radiator in. But the fan is awful close to the radiator..about 7/8s of an inch close. The blades are pretty stiff and I drove it down the street with no issues but at highway speed Id be nervous.

One thing for sure that close the air is definately pulling hard through the radiator at idle. I could feel the air rushing past my legs while standing in front of the truck.

Any thoughts? Can anyone with an 250 I6 tell me how close the blade is to their stock radiator?

[In The Ten Ring]

OMGosh good question! I never thought about this but I could be in the same boat as this guy. I have my stock radiator out and plan on putting a 3 row back in.

[quick60]

This is a 4 row so you might be ok.

Bad thing is I might have to take it all back out to get the bolts out to remove the fan blade to cut down the spacer!! LOL I have to laugh or Id go crazy.

[GuyO]

I too run a 4 row but it is the fan clutch that has about an inch of clearance to the fan. It has been that way for awhile and has not struck the radiator. It works fine, except I had to change my shroud. I used one from my I6 because it was shorter.

[sean1969c10]

Not to hijack a thread but I was just wondering, it looks like you are using the long water pump accessories. Is your engine mounted in the V8 or 6 cyl position. I have a 4 row and long water pump on my 69 and everything seems too tight between the radiator and the fan. Thanks.

[LockDoc]

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From what I can see I think you may be OK to get the fan off. Just have someone hold the fan while you loosen the bolts and take it out as a unit. Do not try and cut the spacer, get one that is shorter. They are available in a lot of different lengths.

Just my 2¢ worth.

LockDoc

[cdowns]

there is nothing wrong with the clearance that you have now but if you want it to work good at cooling install a shroud/// if you go for a shorter spacer pay attention to the length of the bolts that attach it to the pump

[70blackfish]

closer the better...your fine

[68 IRON]

My opinion is, take the extension off and make more clearance. This engine will cool just fine with the increase in the cooling surface (I'd bet even without the fan). Simply by taking the extension of will reduce and harmful vibration wearing on the water pump. And yes...remember the the shorter bolts for the fan! I'm gonna do this one of these days and do the "cheap electric fan" install with a stock fan shroud....pretty clean looking install.

[marvgarr68]

Get a shorter spacer you do not have to remove rad to remove fan just lossen bolts and lift out. I6 did not have fan shrouds just a plate on top to keep fingers out. I guess they did this because the engine is closer to the radiator. Plus it takes a lot to over heat a I6 in good condition. My 68 has the 4 core and it had a 1 1/2" spacer on water pump with a flex fan had about and 1 1/2 spacer between the rad and the I6.

[MARKDTN]

Too close for me. I would reduce the spacer about 1/2" or so.

[rcazwillis]

I would put a fan clutch on it. That solid spacer forces the fan to turn every RPM the motor turns, robbing horsepower and fuel. The clutch slips when the heat is below a certain point, freeing up power.