Hi all, I just picked up a 1954 Chevy with a 235 in it. The previous owner installed a new aluminum radiator, but he wired up the electric fan all wrong. I have disconnected it, and now I'm wondering if I even need it. The radiaotr measures 21x22, and looks close to the stock size one (see photos). What do you all think, do I need the electric fan? And if so, anyone know how it should be wired so that it is off when the car is off. I have a 40 amp relay with four connectors (30,85,86, and 87) Not quite sure which wires go where? Any help would be great. Thanks.
Sorry bad photo, the original mechanical fan is still there. Think that is enough? Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
No need for the electric fan that I can see, especially w a brand new radiator. Take it off and watch gour guages to see if all is well. Some folks just add things because they saw somebody else doing it.. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Thanks guys! I'll see how it goes with just the mechanical fan and watch the gauges. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Well, don't I feel like a moron...yeah the post is there but no fan!!! Ha! Just noticed that...So, crap, back to the electric fan idea. Or try and cram a fan blade in there. Which yeah it's tight and probably why he put in the elec fan....geez I feel dumb.... Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Have the same one on my '57, car runs 180 on a 180 thermostat, and doesn't tax my charging system! KK
Is the radiator further back than a stock one? Either from core thickness or mounting. That may be the reason for the electric fan. Charlie Stephens
Fan quandary aside it appears you're missing a hood latch panel and without it either fan will be sucking (or pushing) hot underhood air through your radiator.
Since I've already proven myself dumb (see above). Don't the hood latch panels usually only go on trucks? I can't remember seeing one on a car, but I have seen them on trucks. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
If you decide to keep the electric there's a couple of relay diagrams in this thread. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/wiring-a-relay.795472/#post-8838279
There's a pieceon the hood that seals the top of the radiator on a stock one. Stock fan is kinda usless. Mine would run real hot parked or stuck in traffic. The only way to cool it down was to go over 30 miles per hour. There was no shroud on stock 54's. Maybe one would help. Stock fan is also real small, different than later 6's with the newer water pump. 54 also ran the fan real fast, look at the small pulley. A modern fan of that pulley will go really fast and maybe not survive.
Ditch the electric fan. But add the latch panel back on, it serves a purpose in the cooling system. As does the lower valence. Oh, and make sure that your lower radiator hose isn't collapsing do to suction pressure. The old hoses need a viable internal spring to prevent this. Without it, the truck will overheat at revs.
Ok last dumb question ( for now) if I go back to a mechanical fan, do I get the clockwise or counterclockwise for a 235? Or how can I determine which one is right? Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
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