The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Correct fan blade

Getting very close to firing my engine for the first time, it's a "56-'57 235 from a car that I put in a '53 3/4 ton truck that had a 217.
I used Dave's adapter to move the water pump up. It's the short shaft, with a 4" pulley and takes a 3/8" belt. Per Dave's specs I've found the correct harmonic balancer for the correct water pump speed (just have to go get it!). I'm of course using the original radiator, shroud, et... from the '53 truck

My question is, does it matter which fan I use? Do I use one off the original 1953 217, or one from the '57 235? Or is there a better aftermarket fan people like better?

And how do I tell which is which if it does matter (I did a poor job of marking parts I know) and would any modifications be necessary? (Bending blades to clear radiator, etc...)

Thanks, getting really excited about how close I'm getting!

Do NOT bend fan blades!

Only mentioned that because in my hours of searching on this forum, that was one of the tips from several people - or rather something they had to do but didn't know if it applied to me. Any help with my question (maybe from Dave?) would be appreciated. Thanks

What are the diameters of your fan blades?

Have you placed each of them on/near the water pump?

Do they both clear the harmonic balancer (my guess is yes),
and, do they both clear the radiator,
and, the hood (I have to ask)?

Tim, I'll measure them soon - I just kind of assumed with all the people that have done the water pump adapter someone would just know which I should use. As for clearing the hood, it won't be on for a long time.

'My question is, does it matter which fan I use? Do I use one off the original 1953 217, or one from the '57 235? Or is there a better aftermarket fan people like better?"

You tell me your sizes and I will tell you mine.

I have made the same swap 216 to 235, I bought a 15 inch 6 blade fan, it clears the 216 harmonic balancer, which a 17 inch wouldn't do. I haven't installed my rad or shroud but don't expect problems.

Shroud?

On original 3/4 ton Chevrolet truck?

Why bother

Because I'm trying to do this correctly and unlike some I still have to learn every single little thing as I go - which can be very frustrating when some have the attitude of "why bother". Thank goodness for those guys on here like hotrod Lincoln, tclederman, George and the likes who explain things over and over so us guys that weren't alive when these trucks were built can learn enough to get them back on the roads. To me, it's history, and the truck means so much more than rubber and steel. It's about the time when I was young, spending time with my dad as we tried to pull start it behind the tractor, the hours I spent going to get wood with my family, the desire for my boys to have a piece of those memories. So while I realize my questions might be dumb to some, I'm not building a truck, I'm restoring my history and my dad always said, if I can't do it right, don't do it. So I know it's just a fan blade, but I didn't know, so I asked.

That's why I bothered.

Keep asking, Paul

If we get rude or abrupt, just ignore us or say something like "thanks for working with me, folks" (as a little jab/nudge).

Paul, you have learned a valuable lesson today. There are a few here that just get frustrated too easily with, what to them is dumb questions, that keep getting asked over and over again. It would be nice if they would just drop it without comment, but they just can’t do it. Then there are those who choose to snipe back and forth at each other while hijacking someone else’s post. Just brush all that carp aside and ask away. You will get your answers in and among all the snarky attitudes. You’ve been around here long enough to develope the thick skin required to exist among the negative Nelly’s.🛠

If I recall it was either in the engine swap tech tip on this site or on a web page of a parts provider that stated the 217 fan was not designed to spin at 235 engine speeds and advised not to use it.
I've also read several posts on different sites from people saying they have ran that fan with out any issues.
Good luck, have fun. Your closer than I am. 😁

I recommend that you use a fan designed for a 216. It will fit your new water pump, and provide the airflow called for for your model truck. A 235 does not run hotter than a 216 and doesn't run at higher RPM. Do you know where your fan shroud came from?
Carl

Sorry, not directed at you, best of luck with your project.
Referring to my own tendency to say the wrong thing.