Radiator

JOANNEM

JOANNEM

Senior Member
I am bummed because we drove my V8 and it seems the flywheel moved or something & now I have groves on my radiator. I was planning to take it to a car show in October. Can you guys look at these photos & tell me if I am going to have to get a new radiator or at least take it out & have the fins straightened?
Please excuse me if I am not using the correct terminogly. :rolleyes:
 

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hmmmm. Well there was water on the ground when we got back & it was only a quick trip. So I am guessing it does now!
 
Need to determine if the engine is moved forward, or if the fan is moving on it's shaft, or if the radiator is moving back. Need to fix the original problem before straightening the fins. I would not run the engine until you resolve the issue!
 
Check to see if the engine stay rods are present and tight. They go from the bell housing to the frame one on each side. They are located near the top of the trans and bottom of upper frame rail. their purpose is to keep the engine from moving forward and damage the radiator.
 
The fan hub might be to long.Measure yours.It should be 3.5".37 truck fans look similar to 32's but 1/4" longer.
 
deuce lover said:
The fan hub might be to long.Measure yours.It should be 3.5".37 truck fans look similar to 32's but 1/4" longer.
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I thought the same thing when I looked at the pictures. The fan just looks too close to the radiator to begin with. That combined with the possibility of loose or colapsed rubber motor mounts, or problems with engine steady rods, as someone else mentioned, and a quick stop moves the fan forward enough to hit the radiator.
The damage on the right/passenger side of the radiator looks like it just needs fin straightening, but the left/drivers side looks more serious, with possible tube damage.
 
If I remember correctly, this car somewhat recently completed a comprehensive restoration, and I think I remember it was done by a pro resto shop. If so, what help or assistance might They be offering? DD
 
Judging from the photos, the intake manifold and generator are later-than-'32 versions and the use of what appears to be a '32 fan was perhaps ill-considered. It would seem that the best bet would be a '37 fan as a '33-'36 fan would likely end up too far away from the radiator. Ideally, there should be about 3/4" clearance between the fan and the back of the radiator core. Unfortunately, JM 35 Sedan's assessment of the damage appears to be correct.
 
Check if the fan has a bent blade, the fan is hitting on both sides of the radiator, not the top or bottom, should be able to see markings on the fan blades to see if they all are hitting.
 
I notice that it appears to be only the outer few inches of blade(s) hitting. The center of the ring of damage does not seem to have any bent fins which suggests the blade tips are moving forward. The asymmetric damage on the left could be caused by uneven movement, radiator loose or not square with fan, fan hub not true and in conjunction with a cracked or loose fan blade. I'd check the fan closely and shake the radiator to see if it has any play as a start.

Judging from the discoloration/corrosion on the left it looks as if it has been going on for a while.
 
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The fan blade should have a minimum of 5/8" clearance at the closest point to
the radiator. G.M.
 
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