How close is too close...

[Anonymous]

Replaced my radiator this weekend with a new 3 row (getting ready to fix the a/c next weekend). I felt like the fan was uncomfortably close to the new radiator (about 1/2 inch). So I coughed up a new fan spacer (1 inch as a opposed to the OE 1-5/8). Radiator clearance is about 1-1/8 inches now, but the fan is only 1/2 inch away from my crank pulley. I'm assuming that as long as there is no fan-to-pulley contact I'm ok.

Is that a safe assumption?

 

[bigcatchdaniel555]

when i put my 3 row in i too only had aout a half inch clearance i found it gave better cooling because more air went back to the motor i have hd it like that and recently added a fan shroud for a year and ive never had it hit.

 

[66 Fastback]

Under load, the fan blades should pull themselves forward towards the front of the car and flatten out. So it should actually pull away from the crank pulley and increase clearance.
Doug

 

[Bort62]

I put a 3 row in mine, and promptly chopped a hole in it going over a speedbump.

I had about 1/2". I think you made the right choice.

If your fan hits the crank pulled, the pulley will win, so no big deal. Self-clearancing.

 

[Anonymous]

Replaced the my radiator about two weeks ago (with a three row). Not much clearance (half-inch?) and everything is OK. Great cooling.

 

[Anonymous]

Oh yea! I've got a '67 Mustang Coupe.
Any idea what to do with the old radiator? Sell it for scrap?

 

[addo]

If it's FUBAR, then for sure. I get $8 for a small radiator here, so you should get similar money in US dollars for the Mustang unit.

I just build up a mound of non-steel scrap, and when it looks decently large or I get sick of seeing it, I sort it into types (cabling, lead, brass/copper) and take it the next time I'm close to the scrappies. Batteries are going up, as new lead is priced through the roof.