a/c fan questions & m?c support

[D Wright]

Putting in a GM a/c Drivers side a/c compressor.
Drive belt for compressor forces the fan to be spaced out from pully. Any idea how much.
Or am I better off putting in a electric fan with a thermal switch?
Also does some of the master cylinder support bar have to be removed?
Thanks for any help
Dave

[namba209]

Dave, if you check out some of the pics in my Willit? Update thread you'll see pics of my engine compartment where the brake rod support has been cut specifically for the GM AC pump. As far as the fan pulley, if the AC compressor has been mounted using the correct bracketry, all you should have to do is line up the pulleys and make sure the fan clears the radiator.

[D Wright]

Ron, The pully lines up. But is it better to use a specer for fan or put in elecric fan. How much of a spacer will fit?
Dave

[bosco]

Given where you live you may want to add a pusher fan to go along with the stock fan. On my Datsun I found that to be a big help here. I have it wired to come on whenever the A/C is on and when the temps rise over a certain (I forget what) temperature.

[namba209]

Dave, I can't say about the spacer, I've got the original engine in storage so I don't know about the size, if any was on it originally. I would suggest checking the fan blades to make sure they won't impact the radiator or the fan belts, that may be the only reason to have the spacer installed.

[D Wright]

Ron,
The fan does hit the timing cover so it does need a spacer cant remember how much room is in front of fan for a spacer.
Don't want to hit radiator.
Dave

[Tru-Craft]

Dave, don't know why your fan is hitting the timing cover, or why you need a spacer, I will have to look at your engine.
Not sure how the pulley system is set up on the stock ARA, my compressor is passenger side mounted and all custom as you know.

I mounted a condensor in the front of the GT nose with a pusher fan. This way the radiator gets full air flow. I have a stock 5 blade fan, no fan shroud, and water temp is always low, even in 90+ temp's!
I will mount the fan shroud someday.

Are you using the stock, large, GM compressor?
I use a little Geo Metro type and it works great, more room to mount.
The measurement from the water pump mounting surface to the radiator is about 5-1/8" on mine.
Lyle

[opelbits]

I am attaching a photo of some Opel a/c parts I have.

In the photo are an a/c pulley, four spacers, and a thermostat housing with an 'extension spacer'.

I believe it is all for the ARA a/c set-up that goes on the driver's side. The spacers are (from left to right):
#1- A good question. Doesn't look like an Opel installed piece, but it will fit.
#2- One I made for fan clearance. 1/2" thick.
#3- About 1/4" thick.
#4- About 3/4" thick.

[namba209]

Originally Posted by opelbits I believe it is all for the ARA a/c set-up that goes on the driver's side. The spacers are (from left to right):

In the pics is a different thermostat housing than original, so that would mount on the passenger side, which is where the ARA system was mounted on the GT. The GM system did mount on the driver's side and the compressor mounting necessitated cutting the brake rod support for clearance.

[opelbits]

You are so right namba...I had a little dyslexic brain fart. I didn't transpose any letters, just which side of the car I was picturing in my mind. Everything I have is from the ARA *passenger* side a/c system.

[Killer Texas GT]

The 1/2" or the 3/4" spacer will work, the 3/4" is more common when using the 7 blade fan though on the GM set up. The 1/4" is for no AC.

[D Wright]

Originally Posted by opelbits I am attaching a photo of some Opel a/c parts I have. In the photo are an a/c pulley, four spacers, and a thermostat housing with an 'extension spacer'. I believe it is all for the ARA a/c set-up that goes on the driver's side. The spacers are (from left to right): #1- A good question. Doesn't look like an Opel installed piece, but it will fit. #2- One I made for fan clearance. 1/2" thick. #3- About 1/4" thick. #4- About 3/4" thick.

Opelbits,
Is the 3/4" one available. If so how much do you want for it?
Thank
Dave

[spdkilz02]

mine has the double crank pulley on it and has the spacer on the fan and the fan only has about 1/16" from the radiator...im going to remove it and put on an electric one sometime, but need to pull the radiator just to get to the bolts for the fan...

[opelbits]

Originally Posted by D Wright Opelbits, Is the 3/4" one available. If so how much do you want for it? Thank Dave

I'm afraid none of the a/c parts are for sale. I have two a/c set-ups, one for a GT and one for a Manta and until I decide what to keep and build, I'd like to hang on to them.

I'd be happy to supply all the dimensions if you want to have one made. Or if one of our illustrious machinist members would like to do it. I could, but the lathe at work is maintained well enough to easily use it.

[Killer Texas GT]

Originally Posted by D Wright Opelbits, Is the 3/4" one available. If so how much do you want for it? Thank Dave

Dave, send me a PM on the spacer I have several, both plane and a crome plated, just let me know which one you want.