Argh???
Guess the old stock fan couldn’t handle the new power. Upgrade? Is the aluminum one the de facto improvement? Removing it without pulling the engine wasn’t fun, so I want to do this right (and only once).
Hi Matt; when we say alloy on this side of the big pond, we mean the aluminium version---the basic, standard versions are made of steel. I sent you an e-mail suggesting a possible, and more economical, method of repair which might just also give you a much stronger centre to the fan. Your comments would indicate that you are thinking along the same lines. If that repair works, use that fan, it is bound to be stronger than any 'pattern' part
Tom, thank you for the email. I was going to respond directly, but yes, I think I'll take your advice for a reinforced mount. If nothing else, I'll order a new one and reinforce the old as a spare so I have time to sort out the repair and check the balance.
Hi Matt, can you please keep me informed re your mod/repair/reinforcement of your fan wheel, I am considering much the same. My Alloy fan is the same as in the lower pic.
Ian.
Very clever Matt---the advantages of modern technology! Don't forget, you will need to put the spacer on the NUT side of the fan---if you put it in the alternator side you might end up with a 'spacing' problem.
Hi Tom, I wonder if it would be better to just weld the shaft adaptor into the fan, but balancing would be a question to answer I suppose ???
Ian.
Ian, I'd considered that as well. It'd probably be pretty easy to balance, as I'd imagine it'd be easier to spin balance with a properly round hole. The issue that stopped me trying that is the likely difficulty in removing the fan. With the convex nature of the backside of the fan, it'd be near-impossible to get something in there to pry the collar off it necessary. If you cut some slots in the adapter's collar (clear of the fan itself, you may be able to get a puller in the grooves to pull it off.
Hey guys.
Just to make sure: Did you use the rubber spacer (sorry, not sure if that is the correct English term). I think those are supposed to reduce the stress on the metal...
Cheers,
Rob