[Healeys] Electric fan

[Robert Begani]

Stephen:

 

As part of my rebuilding the engine in my BJ8, I installed a fan on the outside of the radiator with a manual switch for now.  In addition, I installed the “Shovel” a baffle on the underside of the radiator to direct air into the engine compartment rather than going down under the engine.  Early driving of short distances on highways and city streets without the fan indicates that the Shovel is a great improvement for driving without overheating.  I can go along at 20-30 mph in light traffic and some stopping with no overheating.  However, you still need a fan to keep the engine from overheating in the hot Florida Sun.

 

On the other hand, I did not have an overheating problem driving in the Chicago and Suburbs when we lived there for over 30 years which is about the same climate as Toronto, more or less as long as I stayed away from traffic jams in the summer months. Southern Florida is hot all the time!  Next I will re-core the radiator.

 

Bob Begani

67 BJ8

 

From: Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> On Behalf Of warthodson--- via Healeys
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2019 1:55 PM
To: s.hutchings at rogers.com; healeys at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Electric fan

 

Stephen,

Before adding an electric fan, here are a few things to consider:

I have a 6 bladed fan that was a factory option. It has made a measurable difference on my car. Many of the usual suppliers offer it. Some of these repros. have a reputation for fatigue cracking with disastrous results. I have had mine for 8-10 years & I inspect it annually. No problem so far.

Do you have an original type thermostat that has a moving sleeve to block the bypass port when the t'stat reaches the operating temp? If not, you are loosing some of the radiator's efficiency. 

Do you have the original air baffles installed? 

Using coolant mix in the summer with 15-25% antifreeze will improve the heat transfer efficiency of your cooling system measurably when compared to a 50% or higher mix. 

Some antifreeze is necessary for water pump lubrication. I drain the 50% solution into Jugs in the spring & put a 20% solution in. I save the 50% solution & reverse the process in the fall. 

Have you considered having your radiator re-cored with a more efficient core?

Is your electric system capable of the increased load of the electric fan?

 

Depending upon your definition of practical, I assumed it meant easy &/or inexpensive, there are more things that can be done to improve the cooling system efficiency.

 

Gary Hodson

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Hutchings <s.hutchings at rogers.com <mailto:s.hutchings at rogers.com> >
To: Healeys <healeys at autox.team.net <mailto:healeys at autox.team.net> >
Sent: Tue, Oct 29, 2019 12:02 pm
Subject: [Healeys] Electric fan

I’m interested in what is the most practical way to install an electric fan.

I know some people opt to keep the original fan blades as well, and switch on the electric one when it’s really needed, and others go for a complete electric replacement with a thermostat.

 

I haven’t put an electric fan in, and I’ve got away without it so far. But I really hate getting stuck in traffic in hot weather- doesn’t happen often but it can get pretty damn hot under those circumstances, and it would be nice to have one less thing to be concerned with when travelling.

The traffic around Toronto is so awful, no matter how strategic your timing is- you can still get stuck.

 

Now that my car is put away for the winter, I’m thinking about possible future projects.

 

Stephen, BJ8

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