Dual electric fan conversion
Dual electric fan conversion
Still suffering with an overheating issue, I turned my attention to the fan. The stock fan is a 17” diameter, 11-blade design which moves roughly 2500CFM at 2500rpm and slightly higher at higher revs. It also robs the engine of 10hp or so.
The alternative is to replace it with an electric fan, or dual if there’s room. After some measurements, its became apparent that the Derale model #16928 would work. Width wise, it was a little wide and about 2” too short in height. But it was the only one I could find that would fit. Each 13” diameter 11-bladed fan is rated at 2000CFM at a 25 amp current draw at 1650rpm.
First order of business was to make the fan assembly fit in place of the old fan shroud in such a way that it could be removed if needed to revert back if a fan failed or it just didn’t work.
So I fabricated two L-brackets that would engage in the fan shroud retaining groove at the lower edge of the radiator. These bolt to a piece of aluminum that screws the lower edge of the fan casings to hold them rigid. (They have a tendency to sag since the whole assembly is slightly too wide to fit flush against the radiator matrix.
Here’s a shot (lower left) of the fan assembly sitting in the radiator shroud grooves. Notice the lower radiator outlet port (lower right of photo). It exits and makes a sharp turn. The hose rubs against the lower corner of the fan. (see below).