8ba 4 BLADE FAN

Shoebox

Shoebox

Well-known member
So I'd like to run a 4 blade fan on the 8ba going into my '51 Tudor. A Barn member has kindly shown me one he has. I'm not familiar with the pulley and am wondering if this came from a truck or Merc? Most importantly should this line up with my water pump and crank pulleys? I will be taking some measurements from the 3 blade assembly I have later today for comparison, however I wanted to put this question out there this morning as one of you guys might have answers just by seeing this pic. Thanks!
 

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Shoebox: Here's some photos of a 3 blade 8BA-8632-A2 fan from a 53 Merc and a 4 blade wide belt 8RC6632-A fan. I took these photos this morning after reading your post. I think the 8RC fan may be for a commercial vehicle because of the "C" and the fact that it has a 3/4 " shaft size. Plus it is 18 1/2 in. dia.

When I sent you the info. on the 8RC fan yesterday I thought it would easily replace the 8BA fan and fit in the space between the radiator and the engine of your car. Closer inspection of the two fans and your question today makes me ponder this as I did some measurements this morning that you may find helpful. Notice in the photos below the differences in the measurements which may make 8RC fan a "no fit" if your car is stock.

The Merc 3 blade narrow belt fan is on the left and has 3 in. measurement between fan and pulley.
The 8RC 4 wide belt blade fan is on the right and has a 4 in. measurement from the fan to the pulley.

The 3 blade 8BA Merc fan pulley dia. is 5 3/4 in. Fan dia. is 18 in. Narrow belt size is 3/8. Shaft dia. is 5/8. Blade width is 3 3/16.

The 4 blade 8RC fan pulley is 4 7/8 dia. Fan dia. is 18 1/2. Belt size is 5/8 or 9/16 will work too. Blade width is 4 1/4. Shaft size is 3/4.

On the 8RC fan pulley the distance from the back of the fan carrier bracket to the center line of the wide belt pulley is 3 5/8.

On the 8BA fan the distance from the back of the fan carrier bracket to the center line of the narrow belt pulley is 3 in.

The photos may appear to have a bit of parralax due to camera angle BUT, I did measure very accuratly. Hope this helps. Need anymore measurements, just ask. Please let me know if you know anyone who needs these two fans.Jim
 

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Hey Jim,
Thanks so much for taking the time for pics and measurements. Your 3 blade Merc fan measures up about the same as my 3 blade. I have a 4 row brass Desert Cooler radiator and a fan shroud, Skips water pumps and my 3 blade fan. I should be OK, but if I can get a 4 blade that plays well with the other parts, going to try to get one. Thanks again.
 
Shoebox, I really think your 4 row radiator and 3 blade fan will work very well. Less rotating weight of the 3 blade fan is a big plus. Carefully inspect the fan blades for any cracks. I once had a fan blade fly apart going into the radiator and thru the hood while I was standing next to the engine compartment.
 
19Fordy,
After blasting my 3 blade fan to bare metal I did closely examine the fan, particularly around the rivets, prior to painting. I do have a 4 blade fan coming however following what you mentioned, I think I'll start with the 3 blade and see how she cools. Thanks.
 
The 1950 through 1953 Mercuries in this part of the world came with four blade narrow belt fans like the picture in the first post. I installed one on a 1952 Ford and it made absolutely no difference compared to the three blade it replaced. If you have a nice three blade then just run it and be happy. With a clean block and clean radiator you should be good to go.
The only concern I have with those fans is the sealed bearings. I like to listen to the fan spin to make sure the bearings are still good. The three to four blade swap I mentioned was because the Ford three blade started making noise and I had a four blade fan available with quiet bearings.
 
38 coupe,
Thanks for the info. As others have recommended, I'll start with the nice 3 blade assembly I have (spins smoothly) and if needed, try the 4 blade, although as you noted, made no difference for you. Thanks.
 
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