Somewhere I read the method used for adding the proper amount of oil to the 8ba, truck optional 6 bladed fan,but can no longer find it. Method being something like; adding oil to a certain level and with set screw hole turned to a certain location let oil run out- yada yada. My truck red book says nothing about fan lubrication, and in fact states the standard fan needs no attention, with no mention of the optional fan. Anyone out there have the proper procedure for doing this? Regards and Apprecition, Carl
6 Baded Fan Lubrication - 8ba
- Thread starter 1950F1
- Start date
Barry-ct
Well-known member
You're supposed to put 1 ounce of 30 weight oil in, put plug back in and rotate the fan a few times to spread the oil around. Then, take plug out and put a rag under the hub and turn the blade so the hole is facing down. Let it drain out and put the plug back in. I've heard of using different weight of oil. Some have used a grease fitting in place of the plug and used chassis grease.
Barry
50 F-1
Barry
50 F-1
Mac VP
Well-known member
The oil filled fan hub design for the flathead V8 was used on the passenger cars from 1942-48 and the trucks from 1942-52. Normal fan was a 4 blade type but they offered a six blade fan for extra cooling if needed. Both types used the same oil filled hub assy and ran the wide belt.
The hub takes about 2 ounces of oil. The original spec was motor oil (ie 30 weight) but Ford came along later and changed the spec to 80-90 wt gear oil. The oil is supposed to be checked/topped off with each oil change on the engine.
With the fan assy still mounted on the engine, the way to check is to remove the small screw (26498-S) from the hub (refer to image) which had a straight slot. The opening is very small so a little funnel is needed to add oil. Pour in an ounce of fresh oil. With the screw/plug still out, rotate the fan/hub assy until the opening is down (ie the 6:00 o'clock position). Have a rag under the hole when doing this. Any excess oil will immediately drain out. If no oil comes out, turn the hole up to 12:00 o'clock again and add more oil. Repeat the drain process until some oil comes out. The oil passes thru a tube inside, so the correct amount will stay inside and the excess will drain out.
When filled, put the screw/filler plug back in snugly. The original screw may have had a small o'ring or rubber washer to seal the top. Wipe down any excess oil so it doesnt spin off onto the fan belt, and you are done.
If you forget this lubrication, your fan impeller will eventually run dry and come to a screeching halt.....possibly breaking off and allowing the fan blades to damage the radiator. This is a common problem with guys who just recently acquired an old Ford car or truck with one of these fans, and has no idea this is necessary to do before they drive the thing.
The hub takes about 2 ounces of oil. The original spec was motor oil (ie 30 weight) but Ford came along later and changed the spec to 80-90 wt gear oil. The oil is supposed to be checked/topped off with each oil change on the engine.
With the fan assy still mounted on the engine, the way to check is to remove the small screw (26498-S) from the hub (refer to image) which had a straight slot. The opening is very small so a little funnel is needed to add oil. Pour in an ounce of fresh oil. With the screw/plug still out, rotate the fan/hub assy until the opening is down (ie the 6:00 o'clock position). Have a rag under the hole when doing this. Any excess oil will immediately drain out. If no oil comes out, turn the hole up to 12:00 o'clock again and add more oil. Repeat the drain process until some oil comes out. The oil passes thru a tube inside, so the correct amount will stay inside and the excess will drain out.
When filled, put the screw/filler plug back in snugly. The original screw may have had a small o'ring or rubber washer to seal the top. Wipe down any excess oil so it doesnt spin off onto the fan belt, and you are done.
If you forget this lubrication, your fan impeller will eventually run dry and come to a screeching halt.....possibly breaking off and allowing the fan blades to damage the radiator. This is a common problem with guys who just recently acquired an old Ford car or truck with one of these fans, and has no idea this is necessary to do before they drive the thing.