Topic: Why is the '81 fan wonky ???
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Yes, it's me again with another stunning life & death question !
My '81 has been fitted with a twin electric fan setup, which seems to be just fine, with the original fan & clutch set up having been removed presumably at the same time (this was all done by previous owner.)
So out of interest I have checked out the original setup, and two questions arise for me...
1) The fan blades are oddly assymetrical. Like I don't think I've ever seen an assymetrical fan blade. What's with this ???
2) Is there any plus/minus to re-instating an original fan/clutch (they seem to turn up on Ebay every now and again) ?
Apart from returning it to a semblance of originality...
My '81 has been fitted with a twin electric fan setup, which seems to be just fine, with the original fan & clutch set up having been removed presumably at the same time (this was all done by previous owner.)
So out of interest I have checked out the original setup, and two questions arise for me...
1) The fan blades are oddly assymetrical. Like I don't think I've ever seen an assymetrical fan blade. What's with this ???
2) Is there any plus/minus to re-instating an original fan/clutch (they seem to turn up on Ebay every now and again) ?
Apart from returning it to a semblance of originality...
Kiwi Chris
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Lifetime MemberAs long as it does not have any cooling problems you should leave it as is. The mechanical fan will just add more drain to the engine output.
Can't help you with other ?
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
[QUOTE=CeeDee]...1) The fan blades are oddly assymetrical. Like I don't think I've ever seen an assymetrical fan blade. What's with this?...[/quote]
Correct. The stock fan blade arrangement is not symmetrical; there are noticable gaps between blades. If memory serves, the stock fan is a five blade and 17 1/2" in daimeter. Check the AIM for your year for the correct GM part number. Ditto for the clutch.
You should also have an auxilary electric fan mounted in the radiator shroud.
(large image modified to link)Adams' Apple 2008-01-08 06:28:31
[quote]... is there any plus/minus to re-instating an original fan/clutch (they seem to turn up on Ebay every now and again) ? Apart from returning it to a semblance of originality... [/QUOTE]
Entirely up to you.
(large image modified to link)
CeeDee,
By assymetrical, do you mean the blades are not evenly spaced angularily?
I recall reading somewhere that they do that to break up the harmonics to make the fan quieter. It then generates a random pitch noise instead of a constant frequency.
Or do you mean the fans are not centered on the radiator?
That may have to do with clearances between the radiator and the front of the engine.
And that is just a SWAG (scientific wild a$$ guess).
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Hi all, back from summer hols at the beach... lots of sun and water but NO internet access !!
Thanx for all the replies, and yes by assymetrical I was refering to the blade spacing. The SWAG makes perfect sense tho' so I'll run with that
... no more sleepless nites worrying about this now haha
Thanx for all the replies, and yes by assymetrical I was refering to the blade spacing. The SWAG makes perfect sense tho' so I'll run with that
... no more sleepless nites worrying about this now haha
Kiwi Chris
I have also been told by a very knowledgeable car guy that the asymetrical fan is very common and that, yes, the reason is it lowers the overall fan noise.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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