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I still was hoping someone would measure their fan. The big eights for the 7th, 8th and 9th series according to the parts book all had the same fan, so it doesn't have to be. 903.

Specification on a 901

Blade Length - 7"

Blade Width - 3.5"

Blade to Radiator - 1" to 1 3/16 (closest to pump shaft, vs. farthest from pump shaft)

Blade to Edge of Radiator - 1.5"

Blade Pitch - 1.5"

Thanks 32model901!

Seems like that since I have a bigger engine, the fan should be bigger. The parts book indicates the standard 8 is a different fan than the deluxe 8 models for he 7th,8th and 9th series.

Measured another 903 fan today. Same measurements as mine. Checked the timeing. It appears to hav been about 6 degrees too far retarded.

To determine the correct timing marks, we removed the starter. Saw two marks highlighted in orange paint with degree indicators betwen them. I assumed the first line was TDC and the second was spark. We marked the damper and when the pointer was pointed to the spark line, and then out of aluminum made a pointer which we attached to a timing cover bolt.

Using a timing light and the mark on the damper, we were retarded about 6 degrees. Didn't have a chance to road test the car after we made the timing changes.

All the plugs looked in good shape.

I wish I had a better Custom Eight picture, but below is an original 902 and a restored 903. It looks like the fan is indeed bigger on the 903. To test this I would get the motor hot and put a portable fan in front of the radiator.

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The closer the fan is to the radiator core, the less the air flow looses from the fan tips. Your distance may be correct but in later years the distance is generally in the range of 7/8 inch or so. Remembering that the air flow loses increase dramatically with small increases in air gap, you might be able to get a significant increase in cooling by making a spacer to move the fan a bit closer.

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I would think that advancing the timing would help with your cooling problems. Now that you have a marks on the damper to check the timing, it will be easier to experiment with different settings.

(o{}o)

Agree with JW, 6 degrees retarded is A LOT and a classic contributor to overheating.

I think I will see how the new timing works out before I start making any more changes.

Whydid packardmake timing the car this way. I know later years they transfered the timing marks up front.

The 903 I measured is a barn find and sinc ethe measuremets line up exactly with my 903, I almost positive I hae the right fan ad distance. It was also a coupe roadster so the exact model also.


Now I need to wait fo a warm day in Oregon which could be a couple of months.

Well, it really wasn't "years later"; ignition timing marks for 1933 and newer are on both the flywheel and the vibration damper, perhaps a change initiated after the 9th series?

Yes, I understand your fan to radiator core dimension is correct, just suggesting a modification that might help a bit. Good luck on the next warm day, keep us posted.