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Re: Flex or fixed fan??
[Re: MoparMarq]
#463241
09/10/09 10:09 PM
09/10/09 10:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,840
The Swamp
Sixpak
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,840
The Swamp
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Quote:
Had a flex fan on my RR for 30 years with no problems, but I think the blades were steel with thicker steel plates sandwiching them to the hub with the rivets. Aluminum work hardens fast, so all that flexing can make the blades brittle.
On the other hand, I don't think I've ever seen a factory car with a flex fan, so maybe that says something also. 
I've seen plenty of Aspens and Volares with factory flex fans...mostly 6 bangers with a/c....
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Re: Flex or fixed fan??
[Re: Sixpak]
#463242
09/10/09 11:04 PM
09/10/09 11:04 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 848
Avondale AZ
Prodart440
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 848
Avondale AZ
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Not a mopar, but I have an all original 69 Firebird 400. It came factory with a flex fan. Even has it on the build sheet.
Aaron
68 Roadrunner 383/AT
69 Dart GT Conv. 383/AT
05 Dodge Ram 4x4 Cummins
06 GoManGo R/T Daytona #757
68 Coronet 440
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Re: Flex or fixed fan??
[Re: Gator73]
#463244
09/10/09 11:12 PM
09/10/09 11:12 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,696
Bitopia
jcc
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
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If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,696
Bitopia
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Quote:
I have always heard that flex fans are not a good option but can anyone explain their short comings and why they don't work? The various manufacturers claim they move a lot of air and they are still produced so someone must be buying them. Just wondering why they get such a bad rap.
So still no reasons given. I like the idea of flex fans, but have heard many discount them performace/safety wise, but never give an exact reason. Only possible reason is they might flutter at certain speads, maybe causing cavitation type issues, thats only a wild guess. I still use them, but I use the plastic type, no sharp edges to cut you when wrenching, and likely will not penetrate a hood, but I still would not want to get hit by a blade, but as others have said, any fan can break, and they are cheap enough to replace if you feel they are due. 
Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.
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Re: Flex or fixed fan??
[Re: 67valiant340]
#463246
09/11/09 06:43 PM
09/11/09 06:43 PM
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,220
West Plains, MO
DrCharles
master
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master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,220
West Plains, MO
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Quote:
If I were driving the car on the street, I would use the Mopar Performance clutch fan.
I would have, but my 383 in a '70 Valiant with a relatively thick 3-core radiator (in the stock position) did not have room. I had to return it to the speed shop and get a flex fan with a short spacer.
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Re: Flex or fixed fan??
[Re: Bill MeLater]
#463247
09/11/09 07:46 PM
09/11/09 07:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,072
Niles , Ohio
therocks
oh wait.but hey.lets see.oh yeah.
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oh wait.but hey.lets see.oh yeah.
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,072
Niles , Ohio
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Mine is Summits heavu duty stainless.I believe its 17 or 18 inch.It cools my 12.5 440 and on the street or strip it still runs 180 or so and the rad is untouched 65.Its running 12.5 domes also so its not a mild motor.I dont trust the glass fans just my opinion.The one I had on my jeep was 10 years old and all street driver and plow truck.Rocky
Chrysler Firepower
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Re: Flex or fixed fan??
[Re: Gator73]
#463252
09/12/09 11:34 PM
09/12/09 11:34 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 565
IA
landon1
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 565
IA
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i bought a spacer, as at the time i didn't know you could separate the blades from the hub. i'm sure you could - i don't remember if the stock one has the little nub to center the fan on the spacer, though.
'71 Satellite Sebring 440
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Re: Flex or fixed fan??
[Re: ThermoQuad]
#463255
09/13/09 09:39 AM
09/13/09 09:39 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,623
Millinocket, Maine
JonC
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,623
Millinocket, Maine
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Quote:
Several times now the car mags as well as chrysler have performed tests of clutch fan [viscous fan package]vs flex fans.
The viscous fan package wins every time, but go ahead put the dangerous flex fan on there because it worked for billyjoejimbob's brother-in-law 3x removed.
As for "short" clutch assy's there is one that works well and is readily available. Hayden 2765 fan clutch.
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Re: Flex or fixed fan??
[Re: JonC]
#463256
09/13/09 11:44 AM
09/13/09 11:44 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,072
Niles , Ohio
therocks
oh wait.but hey.lets see.oh yeah.
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oh wait.but hey.lets see.oh yeah.
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,072
Niles , Ohio
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Yeah and the mags also tell you that this or that gives you 20% more HP also.So lets see if I add this intake 20% gain those header 20% gainetc.Must be a waste of time to build an engine.Just add the stuff they tell you.We arent talking someones 3rd cousin twice removed.Most people that answered use them and they work.If you have to worry about a few ponies build a bigger motor.Ive seen more guys with $1000 rad clutch fans or electrics with overheating problems than not.My 65 is pretty much a full race car thats street driven.The OE rad that has never beem touched with flex fan runs at 180 all day even racing.Rocky
Chrysler Firepower
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