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Author Topic: Replacement radiator fan  (Read 14256 times)

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GTRS Fiero

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Replacement radiator fan
« on: July 28, 2018, 08:56:51 pm »
What is the nice-looking replacement option?
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Fierofool

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Re: Replacement radiator fan
« Reply #1 on: July 28, 2018, 09:14:47 pm »
You can get electric fans.  Single large ones, or doubles.  Pushers or pullers.  Most of them attach to the radiator by passing a nylon cable tie through the fins of the radiator then doubling it back through.  I think this can be difficult without at least loosening the radiator due to the AC evaporator core in front of it.  I've always wondered how the cable tie wears on the radiator passages, but I guess they're good because the electric fans are so popular. 

The electric fans are usually closer to the radiator and look much cleaner. 
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GTRS Fiero

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Re: Replacement radiator fan
« Reply #2 on: July 28, 2018, 09:17:18 pm »
I'm fairly sure that the stock Fiero fan is electric.  I saw a nice one that looked stock and bolted on.  I'm not sure about the fan housing, but I think it was not stock, either.
« Last Edit: August 02, 2019, 08:36:47 pm by GTRS Fiero »
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Fierofool

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Re: Replacement radiator fan
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2018, 09:20:23 pm »
It is electric.  I was referring to the aftermarket low profile fans. 
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GTRS Fiero

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Re: Replacement radiator fan
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2018, 09:25:32 pm »
About a year ago, my fan motor started smoking for reasons unknown, and was replaced with a parts car fan motor.  My fan motor looked nice, but the replacement is rusty.  I have a new TFS fan motor, but the fan I saw looked so much better, I'm tempted to go that route, rather than just replace the motor.  Of course, If I'm doing that much work, I'd probably replace the radiator with a 3-core aluminum eadiator, and replace all the radiator supports.  There is probably a bunch of gunk and rust an that area, anyway.
« Last Edit: August 02, 2019, 08:37:32 pm by GTRS Fiero »
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Fierofool

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Re: Replacement radiator fan
« Reply #5 on: July 28, 2018, 09:53:34 pm »
Stock fan motors are still available for about $29.  I think I got mine from Rock Auto or Parts Geek or Parts Train.  Several years ago I also put in a 3-Core Champion radiator and really didn't see any difference. 

Something anyone changing radiators should be aware of is that they may need to get the drain plug and it's insert from the old radiator before sending it back for core charges.  Fortunately, I got my radiator from an Atlanta area radiator repair shop.  Had to go back the next day and dig through their recycle dumpster to get the above-mentioned parts because the new radiator came with nothing. 
« Last Edit: July 28, 2018, 09:56:26 pm by Fierofool »
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GTRS Fiero

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Re: Replacement radiator fan
« Reply #6 on: July 28, 2018, 09:55:56 pm »
So, probably best to replace the fan.  I thought I'd save myself some trouble by replacing the radiator, which is 30 years old, after all.
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Fierofool

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Re: Replacement radiator fan
« Reply #7 on: July 28, 2018, 09:58:26 pm »
You might be able to have it cleaned and pressure tested at a radiator shop. 
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2.    The few who learn by observation.
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GTRS Fiero

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Re: Replacement radiator fan
« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2018, 10:00:22 pm »
No issues with the radiator or overheating, at this time.  The radiator itself was flushed, and flows freely.
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TopNotch

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Re: Replacement radiator fan
« Reply #9 on: July 28, 2018, 10:16:12 pm »
One of the cars at the 2014 RFTH had a "homemade" fan, made by cutting the motor supports from the Fiero fan housing, and putting one of these in it:

Spal 30100400 16" Low Profile Fan
It moves more air and draws less current than the Fiero fan. I'd like to do that eventually, but it costs $65 bucks.
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GTRS Fiero

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Re: Replacement radiator fan
« Reply #10 on: July 28, 2018, 10:17:48 pm »
Yeah.  That looks like what I saw.  Whomever did the work did a good job.

Thanks.
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GTRS Fiero

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Re: Replacement radiator fan
« Reply #11 on: August 02, 2019, 08:40:56 pm »
I did end up doing the fan upgrade on my Fiero, but used a slightly different fan than the one pictured above.  The shroud had to be modified, and the mounts removed from the new fan, which was then riveted to the shroud.  The stock radiator was replaced with a 3-core aluminum radiator.
« Last Edit: September 05, 2019, 07:04:46 am by GTRS Fiero »
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