Minimum clearance between radiator and fan cluth

[Deerhunter30]

What would you say is the minimum clearance between the radiator and the fan clutch? I bought a new 3 core radiator and it appears that it is going to be very close to the fan clutch. Do any of you have any suggestions on how to move it back?

 

[graewulf]

i would say the minimun is enough so it doesnt hit.... otherwise you're fine

 

[Tug-n-pull]

I agree there. If it aint hitten nothing it is not to close. However it sounds like a good time to add a flexalite electric fan system to that puppy. Control airfolw better, turn off in deep water crossings, more horse power, pluss more room under the hood. tug

 

[Deerhunter30]

Electric or Flex fan

What are those little fins on the front of the fan clutch for. Could I machine those off? That would give me an additional 1/4".

 

[jprtroy]

Those little fins are the heat sink for the fan clutch! DON'T shave them off! The fan clutch operates from the heat drawn thru the radiator. As the radiator heats up, the warmed air then heats the fan clutch causing it to "grab" alittle more, thus, drawing more fresh COOL air thru the radiator. This fresh COOL air then cools the coolant. If you shave them fins off, you just ruined the fan clucth.
I installed a 4 core in my CJ5, and my fan clutch did hit my radiator. I looked at moving the radiator forward, but that would have involved removing (unslodering) the tabs. I choose to replace the fan clutch with a flex fan. I now have 3" of clearance.
Now, my CJ was designed for the 2 core radiator. A 3 core might have fit, but it was tight with the 2 core. Not sure what your vehicle is, but if it's a 4 cyl, you can probably get away with removing the fan clutch and installing an electric fan. I wouldn't recommend it for a 6 cyl.
You can replace the fan clucth with a flex fan and still be happy.
As for the minimum clearance betwwen the fan & radiator? As much as you can get! If the front clip comes loose, guess where your radiator is going (if your traveling up a hill clibm for instance) YUP right into the fan!
With a fan clutch, however, the fan can be stopped by the radiator befor it chewes into it. Unlike a flex fan, that spins with the motor! If the radiator falls into a flex fan, It's fan lunch! (till ya shut down the motor)
So, ya got some thinking to do.

 

[Deerhunter30]

Thanks for the help jprtroy.

 

[BakedAlaskan]

You've already heard my story about it. The center of my fan were a fan clutch would be is fine. But the fan blades sit about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch away, and that is NOT far enough. The flex in the motor mounts under full load, or a severe bounce under load and she will eat that radiator to bits. Shortening the spacer/mount of the fan is an option although on mine isn't enough to make any difference.

Good luck man.

 

[Deerhunter30]

Clifford headers, any good?

I still have not decided exactly what I will do. I will probably put the radiator in and work from there. My fan clutch actually sticks out further than the blades themselves. I might go flex....I might go electric....I might be able to make this clutch or another clutch work. I have considered going to my local parts store and showing them my clutch and say "I want one 1/2" shorter than this one".