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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: silversport on August 03, 2022, 09:55:47 PM

Title: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: silversport on August 03, 2022, 09:55:47 PM
In these high fuel cost days instead of traveling, been trying to eliminate engine oil leaks, as I got further into it, it's been 20+ years, decided  to change out fuel and radiator hoses too (fun times). To make it easier I pulled the radiator and fan. I saw shocked at the weight of the fan, has anyone replaced the stock with a fiberglass or something lighter and if so what. From what I remember on small blocks you can save 10 to 15 HP with a lighter fan. GM 4106 w/8V71
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: luvrbus on August 03, 2022, 10:48:56 PM
I have a 6 blade 6 bolt slot bolt hole from a transit for a 8v71 transit v drive bus 29-1/2 dia if it will work for you and I have shroud on your trip to Az you can pick it up for free oh it weighs about 5 lbs not 25 lbs
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: Utahclaimjumper on August 04, 2022, 06:51:03 AM
 Take a hard look at the removed fan,, notice all the wear and damage from debris, rocks, sand, water and so forth...  A shroud is an absolute necessity to also protect the fan from damage over time..>>>Dan  ( On a trip with Mikey,, his fan picked up a piece of metal that was tossed upwards and pierce the upper radiator tube.. he lost all coolant and toasted the engine..>>)
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: dtcerrato on August 04, 2022, 10:31:43 AM
After two round trips in the bus between FL & AK we lost a fan blade do to fractures at the steel arms from the hub to the AL blade. Upon further inspection there were multiple fractures and also the AL blade tips had been reduced in thickness drastically. We replaced the blade with an oem and attributed  all the negative finds to rock & gravel debris from the many unpaved roads. After we replaced the fan which had the oem fan shrouding- we elaborated on the shroud and made it "full circle" where now the fan creates almost zero dust when driven on dry & dusty off pavement. It made a world of difference.
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: robertglines1 on August 04, 2022, 04:01:04 PM
was curious about his subject also. I recently tried all electric. C- results.. I also have the heavy composite stock fan that is beat up! On the shelf I have the same bolt pattern and width adjustable pitch and reversible. What you think about that? allot lighter weight.  Bob
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: silversport on August 04, 2022, 07:36:57 PM
Quote from: luvrbus on August 03, 2022, 10:48:56 PM
I have a 6 blade 6 bolt slot bolt hole from a transit for a 8v71 transit v drive bus 29-1/2 dia if it will work for you and I have shroud on your trip to Az you can pick it up for free oh it weighs about 5 lbs not 25 lbs
We will heading to the Caverns Rally in Kingman in September then on to the rally in Cottonwood at the end of September. Are you going to either or what part of AZ are you at and we maybe able to swing by on the way home.
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: luvrbus on August 04, 2022, 07:46:41 PM
I am in Mohave Valley 8 miles N of Needles off Highway 95 ? are you having a get together at the same place as last year
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: silversport on August 04, 2022, 11:30:22 PM
Quote from: luvrbus on August 04, 2022, 07:46:41 PM
I am in Mohave Valley 8 miles N of Needles off Highway 95 ? are you having a get together at the same place as last year
The one in Cottonwood is at the same RV as last year, the one the week before is at the Caverns.
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: luvrbus on August 05, 2022, 08:42:42 AM
Quote from: silversport on August 04, 2022, 11:30:22 PM
The one in Cottonwood is at the same RV as last year, the one the week before is at the Caverns.

I am in and out of the place at Rimrock it is only a few miles away,I will take it there and you can pick it up
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: silversport on August 05, 2022, 02:56:36 PM
Quote from: luvrbus on August 05, 2022, 08:42:42 AM


I am in and out of the place at Rimrock it is only a few miles away,I will take it there and you can pick it up
Sounds good, will be there 9/27 -10/3.
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: chessie4905 on August 05, 2022, 08:30:38 PM
I believe someone here replaced their GM fan with a Horton or some other brand a few years back. Was some type of plastic or fiberglass and reverse rotation with plenty of airflow. You contact the company with your current fan blade specs: Diameter, blade number, paddle dimensions, pitch angle, mounting bolt circle hole, bolt pattern, and cw or ccw rotation. They make 12 or more blade computer designed fans these days that are much more efficient.
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: silversport on August 06, 2022, 12:37:09 PM
Quote from: chessie4905 on August 05, 2022, 08:30:38 PM
I believe someone here replaced their GM fan with a Horton or some other brand a few years back. Was some type of plastic or fiberglass and reverse rotation with plenty of airflow. You contact the company with your current fan blade specs: Diameter, blade number, paddle dimensions, pitch angle, mounting bolt circle hole, bolt pattern, and cw or ccw rotation. They make 12 or more blade computer designed fans these days that are much more efficient.
Thanks, I have sent them an e-mail to see what that will cost.
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: luvrbus on August 06, 2022, 01:25:23 PM
Quote from: silversport on August 06, 2022, 12:37:09 PM
Thanks, I have sent them an e-mail to see what that will cost..

The 32 inch on my Eagle was over 600 bucks in 2000 from Multi-Wing.net  (12 blade) fiber glass with carbon fiber
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: chessie4905 on August 06, 2022, 01:58:55 PM
without checking, think the GM is 28.
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: silversport on August 06, 2022, 11:20:35 PM
Quote from: luvrbus on August 06, 2022, 01:25:23 PM


The 32 inch on my Eagle was over 600 bucks in 2000 from Multi-Wing.net  (12 blade) fiber glass with carbon fiber
Won't be going there, yikes :o
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: dtcerrato on August 07, 2022, 01:07:40 AM
When we lost a fan blade we're lucky it didn't take out the rad. We bought an oem used fan for $75 - runs great.
Title: Re: Lighter weight radiator fan
Post by: luvrbus on August 07, 2022, 07:01:59 AM
The 12 blades vibrable pitch fiberglass fans are not going to be cheap,he will like the free fan a lot better  8)