Test run with mechanical fan on the Caprice
Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2014 3:40 pm
The purpose of this test was to see if the mechanical fan could be bolted onto the water pump pulley and spin freely without interference with the electric fans. I had to tweak the blades as it was like 1/8" clearance with the passenger side fan motor. Also that fan is not secured well and can flop backwards a bit right into the fan, which would be exciting.
As a reminder, when I ran the Caprice as a generator during the blizzard, I ran the primary fan (passenger side) the whole time. The primary fan is rated at 150W. Now I can run the mechanical fan and disconnect the electric fans, freeing up that precious DC power for AC inversion. Knowing the alternator was the limiting factor in that adventure, those 150W will actually make a noticeable difference.
I wouldn't want to drive the car like this without either securing or removing the primary fan as it would just flop right into the mechanical fan. But for idling, it seemed fine.
Now running without a shroud, with the fan that far from the radiator is usually cause for concern. Naturally, I tested this. Today was very mild (like 55°F) and with the hood closed the engine ran at a perfect 194-195. The amount of required airflow across the radiator at idle is really pretty low so I'm not that surprised.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTfIVz7R ... e=youtu.be
I really need to replace that tensioner pulley. It's been 2 years though it sounded like this mostly the whole time. Lifetime Napa, if I can find the receipt.
As a reminder, when I ran the Caprice as a generator during the blizzard, I ran the primary fan (passenger side) the whole time. The primary fan is rated at 150W. Now I can run the mechanical fan and disconnect the electric fans, freeing up that precious DC power for AC inversion. Knowing the alternator was the limiting factor in that adventure, those 150W will actually make a noticeable difference.
I wouldn't want to drive the car like this without either securing or removing the primary fan as it would just flop right into the mechanical fan. But for idling, it seemed fine.
Now running without a shroud, with the fan that far from the radiator is usually cause for concern. Naturally, I tested this. Today was very mild (like 55°F) and with the hood closed the engine ran at a perfect 194-195. The amount of required airflow across the radiator at idle is really pretty low so I'm not that surprised.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTfIVz7R ... e=youtu.be
I really need to replace that tensioner pulley. It's been 2 years though it sounded like this mostly the whole time. Lifetime Napa, if I can find the receipt.