Electric fan puzzlement

[mole42]

I fitted an electric fan today, strapped to the radiator core as per instructions. The fan relay isn't connected (waiting for a fuseholder!) so the fan's not working.

On my way home, I noticed that the coolant temperature was a few degrees warmer that before. The needle used to sit half-way between C and N, now it's about 3/4 towards N.

Is that expected with a non-running electric fan on the radiator? I still have the normal fan working.

Richard

[marshman]

I fitted an electric fan today, strapped to the radiator core as per instructions. The fan relay isn't connected (waiting for a fuseholder!) so the fan's not working.

On my way home, I noticed that the coolant temperature was a few degrees warmer that before. The needle used to sit half-way between C and N, now it's about 3/4 towards N.

Is that expected with a non-running electric fan on the radiator? I still have the normal fan working.

Richard

The new fan will cause some interruption to the normal airflow so it is not surprising that that the running temperature has risen slightly. It is probably only a few degrees so I wouldn't really worry about it.

Roger

[1959terry]

I fitted an electric fan today, strapped to the radiator core as per instructions. The fan relay isn't connected (waiting for a fuseholder!) so the fan's not working.

On my way home, I noticed that the coolant temperature was a few degrees warmer that before. The needle used to sit half-way between C and N, now it's about 3/4 towards N.

Is that expected with a non-running electric fan on the radiator? I still have the normal fan working.

Richard

If you Temperature was normal why did you fit an electric fan?

[mole42]

Because in heavy traffic, like we get all too often these days in Bristol, the temperature rises. I want to be able to flick the little switch on my dash and see that it doesn't get out of hand. Don't forget this is my everyday car and it gets used in all sorts of conditions!

[JASL]

Maybe too late to comment, however I have been advised to NOT fit the fan direct to the core. I fitted mine to a shroud that keeps the fan 1 cm from the core, and directs the forced air flow to the entire core, not just the circle in the middle. This shroud does not impede (further !) the removal of the radiator to do chains etc.

[mole42]

I wondered about that too, but Kenlowe suggest to fit direct to the core so I figured it was okay. I did buy a proper Kenlowe mounting kit, which has the two aluminium bars but the instructions say to use this kit and strap the fan to the core! Also, mine is the shrouded fan type.

Richard

[Jeff]

Never had a problem with my Kenlowe.

[KOY 23]

Strange, so why do Kenlowe make a proper mounting kit.
My local radiator rebuilder loves the strap on fixings, as any contact between the straps and tubes can wear through thin copper tubes. Also the thrust as fan switches on and off will cause the core to move, again weakening joints and causing leaks.

[mole42]

Hmmm. I might now have to take the straps out and just use the aluminium bars!

[Seaking]

I must say that I have my electric fan strapped direct to the core since 2007 not had a problem also I only have the electric fan and since fitting my Stagdad water pump and now tr6 spoiler it is very rare for my fan to switch on.

Cheers Glenn

[wilf]

My Kenlowe is fitted just using the aluminium bars. Eliminates any risk of core damage.

Mind you, I had twin fans fitted direct to the rad core on the Cobra, but always kept them good and tight - If you have a fan strapped direct to the rad core, then check the tightness of the fixings regularly - they can work loose and that is when the movement of the fan relative to the rad core (think hitting bumps in the road) starts to wreck the core. Nice and tight is the way to go.....

[Ray Smith]

Hi Richard, you did ask about Aeroline fans previously, have you fitted a kenlowe instead?
Ray

[mole42]

Hi Ray, I have an Aeroline with a Kenlowe fitting kit

Richard

[v8ken]

I had a fan strapped directly to the radiator core and it did cause it to leak.
I've heard that the fan can cause less airflow through the rad,but wouldn't be without one,especially after a good run,when in stationary traffic.
I fitted it on metal straps in front of the rad and it works quite well.
Ken.

[Ray Smith]

Hi Ray, I have an Aeroline with a Kenlowe fitting kit

Richard

Hi Richard, I fitted an Aeroline last winter, used an Europa fan mounting bracket, there was no need to use the supplied `saw` plastic through grill type. However I am disappointed with fan and unless someone can advise me otherwise intend to fit an alterative next winter, like yours it is only a back up.
Ray