Re: Flex fan/Clutch/ Electric fan retrofit?

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2009/2/16 14:36:04

Even though I've (luckily?) been immune to overheating problems with all my Packards for 45+ years, I can see some circumstances where an electric fan might be useful, like hot Southern climates, long, low-speed parades on hot days, and the like.

That said, those that find them nececessary in other circumstances should remind themselves that the need is masking some deeper problem which should be investigated before it gets worse or causes further and more serious problems. Using the electric fan is a bit like spraining your back splitting fire wood, going in the house for a good dose of Darvoset, and then going back out to finish the job.

There is another possible solution for the 51 and 53/54 Packards, that is finding a fan from a 1952. Due to Korean war restrictions on brass and copper alloy in the radiator, that year had a smaller radiator and a larger-capacity fan to compensate.

For the bathtub era, perhaps someone has tried installing the 5-bladed 356 engine fan on the 327 or 288. I don't know for a fact if it will fit the hub and have enough clearance, but it's an idea.