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changing to electric fan in TR2


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My TR3A came with an electric cooling fan fitted to the engine side of the rad. So it would be quite possible to fit one to the TR2. The one problem is that the radiator has to be removed inorder to fit the fan. Most electric fans are now slim line. I fitted a 'Kenlowe' fan to my 'E' Type Jaguar. I've also got a 'Kenlowe' fitted to my 1966 Mini Cooper. This fan was fitted in 1966 and is still going strong! I have every faith in 'Kenlowe' fans.

 

Tom.

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I'm using a Pacet 1111 (if I remember correctly) behind the rad in conjunction with the special downpipe from Moss. Which is mandatory on a TR2, I think: a fan visible on the outside isn't a pretty sight, I think. Be sure to use a relay when wiring the fan and dash mounted override switch (with a control light somewhere on the dash) is pretty useful too.

 

Menno

 

EDIT: yes, it is a Pacet TCF1111

 

M.

Edited by Menno van Rij
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I have fitted an original type Kenlowe to a TR2 with a couple of small brackets welded to the cross tube as motor mounts.Obviously you do need to remove the original fan. Its totally unseen but if it ever goes down its a bu**er to remove.

LMW 140 is now local to me and still looking good.

Stuart.

Padstowrun003.jpg

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This year fitted rebuilt rad to the 2 and new rad to the 4. Discovered that modern rads have alternately spaced cooling tubes so it didn't look too good to my uniformed eye to use the original Kenlowe plastic strips which fix the fan through the rad. Although they worked ok on the original rad in the 2. I made up some simple brackets which bolt to the side of the rad and brace to the cross tube. Works a treat, cost pennies, no welding needed. JJC

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Hi, Eddie: I've mentioned my experience in this regard before, but it was a while ago, so I'll repeat, and see how much I remember (without going out to the garage to have a look at the 3).

I first measured across the rad (11 or 12 inches IIRC). Then a quick visit to a local scrapyard produced a nice shallow electric fan to fit the rad. width, and with wiring attached.

I got three lugs welded on the fan frame at the 11, 1 and 6 o'clock positions; the first two enabled me to use the rad/inner wing stabiliser bolting points, while the lug at 6 was used to engage with a jubilee clip positioned around the cross-tube (yeah - typical Wilson bodge!).

Took the crank-driven fan off (but retained the crank extension).

The 'new' electric fan then went in pretty easily; I didn't even have to remove the rad. to get it in.

Menno is right about wiring it through a relay, but this is so simple that even I could do it. I haven't got a thermostat-based automatic system, just a manual switch and a warning light to let me know the fan's on. The only time I need to turn it on is when sitting in traffic on hot days. It's an idea to anticipate hotting-up situations by switching on as soon as you see the temp. needle rise away from its centre point on the gauge.

It's been 'fit-and-forget' (touch wood!) since I installed this rig back around 2001.

Go for it - oh and join the Register, too!

Tim.

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My 2 pence : the only problem with electric fan is the noise :wacko: , and the fact that a dynamo is not the best to charge a battery at iddle, when the fan, usually, need a max power input.

 

Chris.

Edited by Chris59
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I have done exactly as Stuart has done. Got given a very old kenlow (no guards, just a motor and fan blade), welded a couple of brackets to the cross tube and mounted it. I also have a two position swich with dropper resistor to give two speeds. It has only been used when stationary in traffic on a hot day. Thats the beauty of the 2, the car doesn't need to be going fast to get a lot of air through the rad. The small mouth is a perfect air scoop. I concur with Stuarts comment, to get at it without a lot of dismantling is impossible. Chris, the fan draws 5 amps on maximum so current drain is not an issue.

Nigel (with TS952)

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I am currently considering the electric fan option for my 3 while it is still in bits. I may keep the original fan which is a 6 blade (looks to be original as some export cars had this ) and put an electric fan in front of the radiator. It would be hidden behind the grille and I could operate it manually if temperature starts to climb.

Does any one see any problems this this set up

Brian

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Brian,

 

TuRK has got a 13" Kenlowe blower fan fitted and also a 6 blade fan - the 6 blade fan was a ST accessory for tropical use and they are getting very rare nowadays. This set-up works very well and at Le Mans in 2010 the temperature hit 35 DegC and the only time the Kenlowe came on was in very heavy traffic.

 

Cheers

Andrew

Edited by Andrew Smith
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Brian, a pusher electric fan is more of a problem to fit to a TR3 than a 3A, due to less space between the air chute and the radiator. Even more of a challenge on a TR2 that doesn't have the upper section of the chute cut away, plus the thickness of the grille.

 

One with multiple thin blades works well as a pusher, rather than one with wide blades. I prefer to make up a mount frame off the radiator side rails, rather then use fixings through the core.

 

Perhaps dummy fit up the radiator and apron to measure the available space before buying.

 

Regards,

 

Viv.

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My 2 just has the 6 blade ST tropical fan fitted as mentioned by Andrew above. With the 2 front apron design being better at cooling than the 3a I haven't so far found the need for an electric fan, the car only being used for normal road use. My TR4 however is fitted with an electric fan, and seems to need it on occasions..

I guess I've really tempted fate now!

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You want maximum air flow through the radiator fins to cool it.

A mechanical fan running at engine tickover when the car is not moving does not create much airflow. A suitable electric fan does.

 

Even the the old TVG wiper motor driving an Escort plastic fan pulled more air through the radiator than the standard arrangement when the car was standing ticking over...This I compared in 1972 by holding a piece paper up against the grille of my TR2 without the electric fan when the car was ticking over and my friends with the electric fan running. No competition! The electric set up won hands down. The electricity consumption is an issue if you use one of the modern fan things like Revotec.

 

Cheers

Peter W

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Hi Eddieb,

I fitted a Kenlowe to my TR2 about 4 years ago.It is simple, you do not need to remove the rad.Just use the plastic straps supplied,follow the simple instructions.Never had any trouble and I am no techie.

I hope this reassures you.

Regards

Roger B

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