Is there a reference I can check to see what the dimension is for the 1927 Roadster to get the correct distance the fan should be spaced back from the radiator core for proper function. We are installing a different radiator and removing the water pump that had been added. Thanks in advance for the help.

Pretty close, guess is about 3/4" to 1" fan blades from the core.

On the later '27, if you have the long length fan hub, that was for only the thin 2 row radiators, may place the fan too close for comfort using a thicker core radiator.


This hub is the new modern sealed bearing type, no worries on lube or squealing bushings.

Dan, thanks for the imput. We went to a thicker core, the previous owner had a spacer, the ball bearing conversion installed, water pump and a thick heavy steel spacer so what is correct spacing has been difficult to come up with, I was hoping for some tech article or similar to get it right. If anyone knows of an article I would appreciate a link etc.

That's a very pretty looking engine John! Jimmy

Dan's engine is mighty nice looking too.

You'll know it instantly if you're swapping the 2 row radiator for a 3 row on a 26-27. The fan will be up against the radiator. The 3 row won't even go in the car with the long fan hub.
Like it was said above, about an inch, you don't want it any closer. If somebody modified a sealed bearing hub to work with a 2 row core, just un-modify it, you should be in the ball park.

Long hub, (see the area where the grease fitting is) Works only with the thin core radiator. They didn't cool very well, probably why it has a water pump on it.

Short hub, (no space between the fan and the pulley).

Thanks everyone. I am machining a spacer to put the leading edge/tip of the fan at the 1" air gap dimension.

As long as it clears everything, and you're not doing parades, it won't matter. I learned from Tom Carnegie years ago to toss the fan. The radiator cools at speeds above 5 mph without a fan.

rdr

Like Ricks just said, it's the parades that will get you. About the only thing that fan is good for is to pull air across the radiator when the car isn't moving and even at that, the engine is going to heat up.
My car has a brand new engine in it (clean cooling system) and a brand new Brass Works, 3 core radiator but in the recent Labor Day Parade my MotoMeter was still almost pegged at the top.