The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Fan clearance in a 50 truck, with 55, 235

Hello, I blew the original 216 in my truck, I have installed 55, 235. I had to convert the long shaft water pump to a short shaft, no problem. But now I can't find the correct fan that will not hit the harmonic balancer and not hit the radiator. Any suggestions? Thank you, Michael

Michael,
It might help to know which truck your are talking about. I had the same problem with my 1950 Chevy COE that came with a later 1958 235. They had torched the top radiator panel when moving the radiator forward to make the engine fit. In the restoration, I found a new radiator panel and installed a short shaft water pump. I ended up going to NAPA and getting a flat six bladed fan, coupled with a fan spacer. You need the spacer to keep the fan from hitting the harmonic balancer, but when it is in place the stock fan hits the radiator. Thus, the aftermarket fan that is "thinner" from front to back when installed.

Another option is using the relocation plate for the 216 water pump on the 235, to keep the fan centered on the radiator. I don't think you have fan clearance problems with that solution although I am not sure so someone can correct me if that is not true.

Good luck,
Kent

Mike,

I had the same issue with clearance due to purchasing a new aluminum radiator. Since I was unable get blade back on (1951 Chevy with 216), I put a pusher fan in front.

Chris

I'd suggest an electric fan and remove the original fan blade altogether. That fan blade will cause several issues, like hitting the balancer, lower hose etc and wont be in the best location for cooling. I spent lots of time cutting my fan blade down to fit to the point it's not pushing all that much air. Or best bet, get this adaptor https://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1962-CHEVROLET-235-261-WATER-PUMP-ADAPTER/142578007830?hash=item21324fbf16:g:jz4AAOSwmBhaCNA7
Best of luck

http://chev235guy.blogspot.com/search/label/Water%20Pump%20Relocation%20Adapter?m=0

I also suggest using an original year pump/blade with the adapter plate show at the link posted by JiMerit

I had similar problems. I have a 49-3100 with a 55-235 engine. As you guys know the water pump and fan are lower to the radiator. My radiator was moved foward. I installed a 17 inch 6 blade fan, used spacer as needed to locate close to radiator. Just be careful with spacers. I used a Robertshaw high flow 180 thermostat and the motor runs at 180 with no over heating problems.

Good Morning, I have had luck with a JEGS 15" fan Part number 259-19115. Add a spacer part number 555-51190 to stand off your water pump. Now the trick: you may have to mill down your spacer because it is 1" but I would not know what you need because of how much shaft you have protruding from your water pump.

This setup should clear your lower radiator hose attachment and your harmonic balancer unless you have the ever so rare 2 belt balancer. You will need to remove the radiator to install the fan, and then the drain cock off the radiator to put the radiator back in.

Let me know how you make out. This helped cool my 261 quite a bit, but she still runs warm because I have a Chinese knock off radiator. I will start a thread for searching for a good radiator. I'm stumped.

Joe