Topic: Fan Hit Radiator Hose
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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Bladenboro, NC - USA
Joined: 1/22/2006
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1972 conv., sunfire yellow, blk interior, blk vinyl and convertible top. Off frame restoration with American Speed 383 stroker engine producing 500hp plus a 200hp NOS system. MSD ignition. Hooker super competition headers with chambered exhaust.
On the way home from a cruise-in I kept smelling something that smelled like a hot radiator. Kept my eye on the temperature gauge and it never got up to 200 degrees. When I got home and opened the hood it was obvious, as I had water all under the hood of the car. My fan had hit the bottom radiator hose, cutting it just enough to have a pin size stream of water shooting everywhere.
Now here's my question. Since I know my motor supports are good, what could have caused this? Anyone who has a 72 knows that you don't have but about 5/8 inch clearance between the fan and the bottom hose. I know my motor has a lot of torque (512lbs) but is it possible that the body would twist that much?
Now here's my question. Since I know my motor supports are good, what could have caused this? Anyone who has a 72 knows that you don't have but about 5/8 inch clearance between the fan and the bottom hose. I know my motor has a lot of torque (512lbs) but is it possible that the body would twist that much?
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Was the hose old and weak?
Could it have momentarily collapsed and hit the fan?
Did the sh*t hit the fan?
Sorry, couldn't resist.
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Engine torque would not be an issue, I wouldn't think. More likely is the hose "flopping" as you drive. The hose will also expand under pressure, creating a larger target for the fan. Are you sure it was the fan that did it, or a belt?
Joel Adams
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Any wear or deteration on the hose can make it loose it's ability to hold itself in position. Watch when installing a new hose, if it's twisted just a bit, your clearance goes away.
This is not a rare thing. It's just something that needs to be watched as part of preventive maintance. Tough way to learn.
Former Member
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Bladenboro, NC - USA
Joined: 1/22/2006
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1972 conv., sunfire yellow, blk interior, blk vinyl and convertible top. Off frame restoration with American Speed 383 stroker engine producing 500hp plus a 200hp NOS system. MSD ignition. Hooker super competition headers with chambered exhaust.
No Dwight, the hose wasn't old and weak but the sh*t did hit the fan. I have one heck of a mess all over my engine now.
Joel it had to be the fan because it's the lower hose and no belt close by. After replacing the hose yesterday, I noticed before even starting the car up that I only have between 1/2 and 5/8 inch clearance between the hose and fan. It was definitely the fan because the paint is off the tips of the fan. I hadn't even thought of the hose expanding under pressure. Since I've never had a shroud on the car and it runs a littler warmer than I like, I'm just going to order the duel spal fans. That will definitely eliminate the possibility of this happening again.
Joel it had to be the fan because it's the lower hose and no belt close by. After replacing the hose yesterday, I noticed before even starting the car up that I only have between 1/2 and 5/8 inch clearance between the hose and fan. It was definitely the fan because the paint is off the tips of the fan. I hadn't even thought of the hose expanding under pressure. Since I've never had a shroud on the car and it runs a littler warmer than I like, I'm just going to order the duel spal fans. That will definitely eliminate the possibility of this happening again.
Alternatively, you could get the universal hose with the spring installed. It is a B!tch to install, but it is a stiff hose. When the paint guy was pulling out my A/C stuff for me (who needs A/C in a T-TOP car?) he noticed the A/C hose had rubbed a wear spot on the lower hose. I'll have to change it when I get her home (if I ever get her home, raining & storms all weekend).
The dual spal fans will definitely alleviate the problem.
Good Luck!
The dual spal fans will definitely alleviate the problem.
Good Luck!
The wife and I took the Vette on her maiden voyage on Saturday. We cruised with the top down. It was about 90 degrees with 85% humidity. I have a big block size aluminum radiator with dual spal fans. The temperature never got over 205. It averaged around 190 for most of the 130 mile trip. The fans only came on three times. Loosing the steel fan and fan clutch will also free up a couple of ponies too. I also used chrome plated stainless radiator hoses (no ruptures).
The dual SPAL setup ROX ! I luv it !
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in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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