The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Radiator/Fan space help..

I know this has been discussed before, but I havent seen my specific problem. I've done a search and read some of the topics that relate.

I have a '52 half ton with a 216 in it, I had to replace the radiator, so I ordered one that was to be the exact match. But really it was slightly wider than my original.
I had to have it brought to a shop to have the side mounts on the new rad changed for the side mounts on my original, that gave me room to fit the radiator into the truck. BUT I still have so little clearance that the fan brushes the bottom of the radiator. As well I couldn't possibly change the belt without removing the radiator.

I desperately need an easy solution to gain just 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch from my fan blade and my radiator.

Any suggestions ??

Scares me but have you looked into changing the water pump. I believe they all don't have the same spacing. I know kinda a trial and error type answer but It worked for me on a V8.

I will change the water pump if thats what it takes, but not sure what pump would work with my 216.

Just a thought, it's kind of a shot in the dark but have you checked to see if the radiator can/will mount on the other side of the flange it bolts to? That is assuming it normally bolts to the engine side of the flange. Also I think I'd be having a conversation with the outfit I bought the new radiator from. If they are selling them as a drop in replacement and they don't fit there is a problem that needs addressed.

I took a look at the mount for the radiator, I may have to try to mount it to the opposite side to see if I gain the space needed.
It looks like it will involve some creative work though, I may have to remove the cross braces for the mounts and do some other modifications, which is not my field.
If anyone else has moved their radiator to the front of these mounts PLEASE tell me all about it and if it helped.

Well from searching the topic it seems I can take out the fan and just put in an electric one in front of my radiator. Is this correct??

This seems like one of the easier solutions, can anyone tell me how easy it was to put in an electric fan and what type I should get for my 216.

Just a thought but if the rad was to wide then maybe the core is also to thick. I would measure both rad cores to be sure.

the rad is not too wide, it fits into the brackets no problem, just doesnt leave enough space for my fan blade to turn properly.

Couldn't they have moved them further back? I would go back and get them to move the mounts 1/2" or make up a pair of new ones. An electric fan needs an alternator which you may or may not have.

I may be able to get them to move the mounts back a little more but it will be close.
From what I've been reading it seems I'll get better cooling for my rad if I go with an electric fan (original fan location leaves me wondering how effective it is there). Good news is I converted to 12 volts last year so I have a good strong alternator to handle an electric fan.

My question now is, is it possible for me to put the electric fan in myself. Is it a job for the average person??

I don't think electric fans are hard to install, I've seen fan kits from Summit racing that look easy. But I would try to make the original fan work, the electric fans are loud!

Moving the radiator to the other side of the support may require you to remove the diagonal cross members and the top part of the radiator.

Fixing the mount bracket might be easier. If the shop has already done it once but it wasn't enough, it should be easy for them to move them again.

Another possibility might be to shorten your already short waterpump. Using a press you could move the bolt surface on the pump closer to the block by 1/2 an inch. Then all you'd need is a different pulley to line up the belts.

Moving it to the other side may require removing diagonal cross members and top part of the radiator SUPPORT.

Oops! Sorry.

216 pulleys don't remove from the collar that attaches to the shaft. You can't push the collar aft and use a different pulley.

I would think getting the right radiator would save you a lot of headaches.

I think my 216 has about 1/4" to 3/8" inbetween the fan and radiator.It is very close,are you sure the new core thickness is right ? How much space did the old one have ?

Originally there was about 1/2" between the rad and the fan, just barely enough to change the belt. Now it is , I'm in Canada and I ordered the rad from the States it wont be worth my time and $ to send it back.
I think the best thing to do is remove my fan blade and put in an electric fan. It will give better cooling all around anyway.
Thanks to everyone for the replies and suggestions.

If you are going with the electric fan option, here's a link to an auction on e-bay. I've bought lots of stuff from this guy and always been happy.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/16-H...mQQcategoryZ34201QQitemZ4628398070QQrdZ1

I had a simular problem on my 52' w/ a 235. I ordered a heavy duty rad. It was thicker. Had the short shaft water pump but no go. The fan was scraping the radiator. Wanting to be correct and mount the raditor on the back side (re: engine side) on the core support, I removed the straps that hold the flange brackets to the radiator. These straps are just soldered on and will easily pop off with a few seconds of a MAPP gas torch.
Then once the the straps are off with the flange mounts in tow, you grind off the spot welds to remove the brackets.
Take these to you local weld shop and have them re-spot or other the brackets back on to the rear (engine side) whatever distance you need for clearence. In my case, they just aligned it with the original paint line (about 3/4 inch back). This kept the angle exactly the same as the original. Remember your radiator angles down a bit to stay inline with the angle of your engine. I then re-atteched (soldered) the brackets in their original positions after tinning both the radiator sides (top and bottom) and the insides (contact areas) of the straps that hold the brackets.
One other thing I did, and you may not need to with a 216 water pump, it that I dropped the radiator lower in the Core support to bring the fan blades closer to the center of the radiator.
Now this may sound like a bunch but really, like everything else, it is just a series of steps to achieve a means. One thing i've learned here at this forum and at home is; there is always a way. Thats part of the agoney and the joy of this hobby.