6 blade plastic radiator fan

carol ann

carol ann

Member
Hello, I just received "mikes-afordable" 6 blade plastic fan with fan belt, water pump fan mounting set and fan knock off tool for my 1931 model a. I'll be replacing the 4 blade metal fan that lost a blade. The installation appears to be straight forward however, I've never done this before so I wanted to ask if anyone has any tips or words of wisdom regarding the installation. Many thanks.
 
The only thing(s) I would say is read the directions. And recheck the tightness of the fan after using the car a little. They tend to losen up for some reason.

I took my 4-blade off, and went to the plastic one like this, and I love the piece of mind it gives me.

Check to see of it rattles on the housing of your waterpump. I filed my edge down just a bit, but don't get crazy with it. That edge has a lot of stength in it. I added a couple of gaskets under my housing to get the alignment right.
 
Thank you Gene for both the thumbs up on this type of fan and the tips about what to check. I too am moving to the plastic fan for peace of mind. Seconds before the blade sheared off the fan, a good friend had been looking under the hood to see what the rattle was. He just closed the hood on that side when we heard the bang from the blade shearing off. I shudder to think what could of happened to him. I'll let you know how the installation goes.
 
Like to see reviews of this plastic fan after its been in service for awhile. If the six blade plastic fan moves more air then it interests me. My two blade aluminum fan does not track well and its an added souce of vibration.
 
Last edited:
Aretino said:
Like to see reviews of this plastic fan after its been in service for awhile. If the six blade plastic fan moves more air then it interests me. My two blade aluminum fan does not track well and its an added souce of vibration.
Click to expand...

Also an impending disaster when it comes apart.
 
Eccentric Old Guy said:
Are the replacement aluminum two blade fans coming apart too? I thought the problem was only with the original two blade steel fans....
Click to expand...

I've never heard of an aluminium 2 blade fan coming apart. I have been running one of those plastic ones for about 50-55,000 miles now without issue.
 
Plastic fan.
Some time ago when I was having cooling problems I put a plastic fan in my Tourer. From a Toyota, I think it was a Corolla. It didn’t make a great deal of difference and I later found it was the radiator that needed replacing and not the fan. Never the less I later purchased a plastic fan from Snyder’s and found it to be the same- I think in all respects. Because the plastic blades are shorter and it weighs less it should take slightly less power to drive it. In addition it will not lose a fan blade like the old metal blades. I am not pedantic about keeping the systems strictly original.
 
Last edited:
Eccentric Old Guy said:
Are the replacement aluminum two blade fans coming apart too? I thought the problem was only with the original two blade steel fans....
Click to expand...

I know of three two blade fans that came apart, took out the radiator and made a mess of the hoods. I don't know if these were aluminum or steel. If this isn't an issue with aluminum fans, I stand corrected. My car has a four blade steel fan. I also know of one of those that came apart. These need to be checked for cracks as well as the two blade.
 
The only fans that come apart are the original steel ones that are several pieces and will crack. The reproduction aluminum ones are cast and are almost impossible to break.
 
I have been running one since Dave Wilton brought it to market many years ago. No issues.
 

Attachments

  • Hot Air Heater w Floor Register 429 kb.jpg
    Hot Air Heater w Floor Register 429 kb.jpg
    85.3 KB · Views: 131
Does the 6 blade really cool better, or are you installing them for piece of mind vs the 2 blade aluminum?
 
I have a 4 bladed plastic fan, I believe you get more air movement from a four bladed as opposed to a six blade. I have a fair amount of time flying prop aircraft I believe a four bladed prop is more efficient.
JMHO not trying to start anything.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top