The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Noisy, or run it hot? Fan questions

The stock fan on my Grumman 292 cools well, the dash gauge moving up maybe 25% from cold. Switched over to an electric fan, a 1400CFM Hayden with an adjustable thermostat control.

The quiet was a relief, I could hear all the creaks and rattles that will be fun to try to eliminate....BUT.... the temp gauge ran right up to about 70%. The fan was set up as a pusher, and is only 100CFM less than their highest flow fan [and 1/2 the cost]. With it installed, there isnt room for mounting an additional electric fan.

Should I look into aftermarket flex fan blades? Installing a thermo clutch will require the radiator to be moved, and a new fan to be purchased. Are the flex fans quieter, with some fuel mpg and performance gains while providing adequate cooling?

Or, a firewall insulation campaign. Seriously guys, this thing is NOISY!

The flex fans are noisier then the stock fan. 1400 is not enough. I understand they are not as effective as a pusher then as a puller. I run a 2800 CFM Flex-a-lite on my 70 with 350. Seems to work good but is noisy when it comes on.

I think I will go with firewall insulation. The cost of failure is negligible.