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Reading the Mechanix Illustrated road test of the 1952 Packard I noted that "Uncle Tom" McCahill mentioned that the cooling fan drew about 10HP from the engine at highway speeds when the fan is not necessary. Flex fans, electric fans and clutch fans have been around for decades and I have retofitted them on several of my modern cars over the years but has anyone found a model that will fit a straight eight Packard engine specifically a 356" engine like on my Super Clipper and if so how well did it work? It seems like it would be a good retrofit if it could save a few horsepower and put less strain on the water pump bearings as well as maybe save a bit of gas on highway trips.

I installed a flex fan on my 38 six and have a little faster acceleration and better milage (about 2mpg)along with much better cooling at idle.No modifacations needed for the install,although it was tight.
You can check the parts x ref for 38 and the make and pn# are there.I did the research(hub size) online and found it at my local Kragen.Of course I saved the original.
RT

RT-

Can you post a picture or two of your 38 six flex fan?

Thanks in advance.

_Carl

My recently purchased 2106 came with a 5-blade flex fan and an electric fan. I can't comment on the flex fan's performance as I have nothing to compare to. The electric fan does help bring the temperature down a few degrees, especially when idling.

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.

JW, I would be interested in what model flex fan you have and if possible a photo.

Owen,I agree with what you wrote concerning the need for an electric fan. If I lived in a very hot climate I might consider one also. My interest in such a conversion is one of fuel saving and noise reduction since my Packard has not exibited any overheat problems even in parades. I am satified with the cooling of the original fan but on highway trips I would not mind even a small improvement in gas mileage and engine noise reduction if it would not otherwise affect engine cooling. The shows I attend are not judged for originality in any event so that is not a concern

clipper47, I am visiting family and friends in New Mexico as I write this. I will look into the flex fan and get something back to you when I return to Austin. I agree with Owen on not to work around a problem with fixes, but instead do a proper repair.

John, Many thanks.

Agreed,this is not a bandaid fix.I was looking to get a little more from the six and the flex fan accomplished that with no mods.
Sorry for the delay with a response,I had to plow 2 feet of snow.(Sierra cement)

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I'm not convinced that the flex fan saves an gasmileage or affords any better engine performance other than better cooling.

Power is required to flex the fan blades. That power has to come from somewhere i.e. the engine.

I run a flex fan here in middle Tn. becuase it moves more air or is supposed to move air.

If power and perfomance savings is required then a viscous fan conversion would be the best way to go.

Personaly, i would look for other ways to economy and performance unless heat is an issue. Try one heat range hotter on the plugs and a more free flowing muffler.