Just one of those days

[SR_65]

For the last few months I have worked on rebuilding the front & rear suspension, new wiring harness, new cooling system, etc..

First time in months I get to start my car again, cranks and runs like a champ. Watched it get to temp at 180, the new electric fan kicked on and then my brand new champion radiator decided to play lets spring some leaks.

Just reached out to contact Champion and hopefully its a painless process to get it replaced.

[Franks68coupe]

Ouch... but considering everything that went right.... you're in pretty good shape. Congrats on a succesfull fire up.

[merfsiu]

How did the fins get all jacked? looks like some pretty good damage right there.

[dzahm]

wow, those fins do look bad. Did the fan get into it?

[SR_65]

Originally Posted by Franks68coupe

Ouch... but considering everything that went right.... you're in pretty good shape. Congrats on a succesfull fire up.

I am happy with the process so far getting everything mechanically sound just a little bummed by the set back.

Originally Posted by merfsiu

How did the fins get all jacked? looks like some pretty good damage right there.

I just noticed that when I posted the picture. I have to go back and remove the fan to see what happened. I dont think the fan could have hit it but this is my first time with an electric fan install so it could be. Going to take a look now.

[SR_65]

Not sure how the heck this happened but the fan tore the crap out of my radiator.



The fan and the radiator came as a kit from Champion and it was a pretty straight forward install. Really not sure what happened here.

Any thoughts?

[66COStang]

Looks like not enough spacers or any spacers between the fan supports and the radiator... wouldnt think a plastic fan could do that...

Only other thing could be a severely imbalanced fan that only had a blade or maybe 2 that was rubbing... did you hear it making a lot of noise when it turned on?

[66resto]

Is that covered under Champion's warranty?

[SR_65]

I just remeasured the fan and there is a 1/4" gap between the fan blade and the case that sits against the radiator. In the instructions there was no mention of addition spacers needed so I am going to assume this is standard.

The place I purchased this from Oscars Radiators - C K PICKUP, 1965-1966 V8 items in OSCARS RADIATORS store on eBay! is closed today but I am going to give them a call tomorrow to see whats up.

[ScottsGT]

I'm thinking you just bought another radiator. I made a fiberglass shroud for mine.
The housing for the fan is enough to dig into the radiator and damage it. SPAL recommends a gasket between the fan and radiator.

[88cougargt]

Maybe a socket or bolt got caught between the fan and radiator. I'm always dropping stuff when I'm wrenching. I actually put a small utility rug under the engine to catch parts/sockets when the fall. Much less crawling around looking for lost hardware.

[SR_65]

Originally Posted by 88cougargt

Maybe a socket or bolt got caught between the fan and radiator. I'm always dropping stuff when I'm wrenching.

I think I would have heard banging or loud scraping. While the engine was running I was staring at the fan waiting to see if it would come on to make sure I got the wiring right.

i didnt hear anything out of the ordinary when the fan kicked on and after a few seconds saw the water start to stream. I dunno.

[merfsiu]

Those blades can flex when pulling air.

Did the fan come attached to the radiator or were they shipped separately?

[Pmustang]

Fan blades flexed is what I was thinking.

[Pmustang]

Don't call me crazy. Could water sprayed onto the fan or rain when driving been driven into the fins?