Help with Capri cooling

Aether · 21-08-2016, 09:43 PM

Ok so I am confused about some choices about how to setup the cooling on my v6 Capri. Since I have never driven the car it's hard to know what it needs and how far I need to go in setting it up.

So far I have just done the basics like checking the water pump condition and installing a new aluminium radiator. I was just going to install the standard fan since the engine is just standard but disaster struck and I dropped the fan while cleaning it and one of the fins snapped clean off.

So I thought I would get a thermofan. I bought a 14 inch fan which covered the entire radiator and that was great but there was very little clearance to the fan belt. So now I have a 12 inch unit which will fit just fine but I'm concerned if it's up to the job

14inch = 1060cfm
12inch = 850cfm

So I really want to get some peace of mind from people with more experience with these cars. Do they overheat? Is the thermofan a step up from the standard fan?

And the engine builder said i should just use water and not coolant. Does that ring true with you guys?

4117kev · 22-08-2016, 01:00 AM

How much room did you end up with between the radiator and the fan pull? .
I got a 3 core instead of the 2 core but there doesn't appear to be enough room for a thermo fan.

Aether · 22-08-2016, 06:26 PM

I ended up with about 80mm clearance but the fan is 76mm which leaves very little. About 2mm will go to the bracket so we are talking 2mm between thermofan and pulley.

I can fit a 14" on the front of the radiator but it's a bit of effort so just not sure if it's a good investment of time.

allanv6gt · 23-08-2016, 11:49 PM

My thermo fan is fitted to the front, and is 12" diameter, stator blade and a slim-fit design. Found on eBay for $30 some years ago.
Never had a problem with overheating, but I don't drive in SYD/ BNE / MEL traffic.

It does fit between (/behind) radiator and timing case IF you remove the std fan (which in your case is broken.)
I've left the plastic std fan attached and free-wheeling but not connected to the V-belt. The longer std belt is carried in the boot just in case.

A 14"doesn't quite fit the front - you'd need to trim the blade case a bit. Bought one in anticipation then lost interest at that point (for now at least).
I see you can get 13" fans, but they seem somewhat more expensive than 12" and 14" fans.

Madaya · 24-08-2016, 09:55 AM

Can understand the water bit, but if so, only use demineralised water (often sold as distilled water). I'm sure a little glycol would be okay. Besides, in an area where temperatures can drop below zero degrees, you don't want your water freezing, and glycol will drop the freezing point.
See what the old V8 mob use in their engines, yours and theirs being iron blocks and heads.
Enjoyed your rebuild thread btw.

Aether · 25-08-2016, 01:37 PM

Ok thats all good advice, thanks both.

I couldnt see why coolant would cause a problem. I live in Sydney so i might just go with a 50/50 mix.

As for the fan I took the 12 inch back and got the 14 again. It fits in front of the radiator without too much hassle so i will make some brackets for it this weekend. It will sit a little higher than the picture below.

I bought a $30 adaptor for the sensor to tap directly into the top radiator hose instead of through the radiator fins but its the wrong unit so i will have to make a 5th visit to autoone for this setup

allanv6gt · 01-09-2016, 09:54 PM

Does the 14" fan fit flush to radiator fins? (thinking of top tank clearance when all fitted up)

Aether · 24-09-2016, 09:15 PM

The 14" fits nice and flush on either the front or the back but I was thinking...... If I remove the fan pulley (and shaft and bearing) to fit the bigger fan, will that affect anything? That doesnt drive anything else does it?

If I can remove the fan pulley as well as the shaft its on, it will save me a tonne of space.

1973rs · 26-09-2016, 03:51 PM

yes u can - it only drives the fan pulley - u can always machine the remaining abutment off the timing cover to give u more room...

Aether · 26-09-2016, 06:15 PM

You sir..... Are a legend.

Do you know if I have to remove the timing cover to remove the shaft? If I can remove the shaft it will give me all the room I need.

That will then free up all the space in front of the radiator for something else I hope to squeeze in.

1973rs · 26-09-2016, 06:57 PM

IMG_0731.jpg

you have to remove the clip (circled)

1973rs · 26-09-2016, 06:59 PM

the shaft and associated bearing are a press fit - u may be able to remove them with a puller - but u will have to fill the hole with something to stop oil loss
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