Dequick A2A and Mechanical Fan, your thoughts?

[dourtyb]

Hey all,

I'm putting the finishing touches on my truck and got my Dequick dual core IC back on. I forgot what a pain that was. On a positive note, the plastic Vortec valve covers seem to locate the oil fill tube in a bit better position for use with the Dequick.

I'm trying to decide what to do about the clearance issue between the stock mech fan and the turbo to ic pipe with this setup. It looks like I have 3 options and I'm not sure what would be the best or if a combo would be better. Here are my thoughts.

1. Replace the turbo to IC pipe with a smaller diameter version. I think it is a 2.5", I've heard a 2" will work. I think it would with the proper bend/shape.

2. Move to a smaller diameter fan. Stock is what, 15-16" or so? Maybe go with a 13-14" fan. Of course this will cause less air to be pulled through the rad, which is my biggest concern. I had problems with the electric fan not pulling enough air.

3. Get a fan spacer to push the fan closer to the radiator. I think it would only take about .5" to clear. I know they sell a 1" spacer, not sure about .5". I did a quick check and it looks like there is room for a 1" spacer. Any negative draw backs to this approach?

Thoughts, comments, suggestions?

 

[smeagol]

I've done this on 2 trucks now.

I ground down the fan edges that were close to the pipe.
I spaced the fan out with washers.

The one Sy had such bad motor mounts the mechanical fan was CLOSE to the fan shroud, ended up hitting the fan shroud on a test run, destroyed a lot... fan broke, water pump shaft got goofy, fan almost went through the hood, shroud was all but disintegrated. So be careful when you set this up. Don't start the truck up and run it with your head close to the fan watching for clearance

I'm assuming you did poly motor mounts so you should be fine with the mounts though. Be sure that your fan shroud is centered with the motor after the mounts.

May be worth looking into the newer S series mechanical fans. Every manufacturer seems to be going to the plastic fans with lotsa blades. That'd be my next step. May even look into a newer fan shroud to match that fan.

 

[dourtyb]

BG, thanks for the info. I've found a 1/2" spacer and think I'll give it a try. I am using the poly motor mounts and they are doing a fine job of keeping the motor in place. Now the whole truck torques to the side. Almost gets the 2 driver side wheels off the ground. HEE HEE, Just kidding. The are solid though. Good heads up on making sure the shroud is centered. I wouldn't have even thought to check.

Thanks again,

 

[ghettosled]

I would pretty much agree with brian. The poly mounts will surely help, but when under load the motor will still move a bit. SO what might be .5" clearance idling, consider it under boost, hit a small bump the pipe wiggles, and SMACK. Takes out alot. Similar to propshaft.

You definately want to keep the 2.5" IC piping. I always just run a single electric SPAL fan.. The 16" cools just fine in most cases. Or you can rework the piping by using 45 deg silicone bends, try to space out the fan, maybe use the newer 6 or 8 blade plastic blades which are thinner,etc..