C3: Fan hitting shroud

[Jack O.]

Hi everyone,
I had my car up on jack stands for about 6 mos at which time I pulled, among other things, the trans and the fan and pulley from the waterpump. I did not remove he radiator or shroud. With the trans out I supported the rear of the block with a hydraulic jack. I've put it all back together using the original parts and the fan is hitting the shroud at the top. It's occurred after I ran it a bit as if something "settled". Before hitting the top of the shroud one blade was barely nipping one side of the shroud but now it won't clear the top at all. This is very surprising since I've had these same components off many times before and have never had a problem. Any ideas? Could the motor mounts gotten messed up somehow? On occassion the jack settled and allowed the rear of the engine to drop but I believe the jack was always supporting the weight.
Thanks,
Jack

[Michael G.]

Re: C3: Fan hitting shroud

Jack,
If the jack supporting the rear of the engine was able to sag, the preasure on the motor mounts may have been more than you think. Although the jack may have still been in contact with the motor, the bulk of the load may have been on the mounts for a time and may have distorted them. If the jack had sagged "considerably", then you are on the right track. Check the mounts for distortion. If the frame was elevated and supported, then I hope the supports were placed properly and the frame has not twisted. Good luck, Mike

[Marco H.]

Re: C3: Fan hitting shroud

Jack,
Where did you have the forward floor jacks positioned?? If they were along the main rail just before the frame kicks up towards the front suspension, you would have a great deal of nose weight hanging off the front of the car. (Don't get me wrong that is usually the position where I have the jacks or Lift arms, but for an extended length of time I would support the front Crossmember to be save.) On the C2 it is possible to "cheat" and add shims between the Radiator Support and Frame to overcome this issue. (Fan hitting top of shroud.) I'm not certain what would be involved to perform such task on a C3. However should they be similar to the C2 it is important that ALL Bumper Brackets between Body and Frame are lose.
I hope this helps.
Marco

[Gene M.]

Re: C3: Fan hitting shroud

In the AIM (not for '68) on the c3 it shows shims used between the core support and front frame support that bridges the two frame horns together with 4 bolts from under side. The core support is typical shimmed about 3/8" with the support. The bolts run thru the shims from below (2 places) but shims are "U" shaped and could have fallen out. This will cause whole front to sit lower. The radiator shroud is secured below via two brackets tied to frame and these are adjustable. If loose hardware or bent the shroud will drop.

[Paul J.]

Re: C3: Fan hitting shroud

Jack,

Did you replace the rear transmission mount, and if so, is it the same thickness as the old one?

Paul