'72 LS5 w/ a/c owners

[Tom L.]

For those of you that have the darn "tipped" 7 blade fan, how close is too close for the tps? I'm putting one in my car and I barely have 1/8" clearence between the tips and the shroud. During operation is it possible that the fan flexes forward toward the shroud when it's spinning at high RPM? For those of you that know how dear these fans are you understand my concern. Thanks!

[William C.]

Re: '72 LS5 w/ a/c owners

Lynn have you looked all all the movement you can get out of the rad/shroud mounting system to maximize the clearance? Been a while since I had my unrestored '72 BB, but I don't recall it being THAT close.

[Tom L.]

Re: '72 LS5 w/ a/c owners

Didn't get much feedback on this question so I did as much "adjusting" as I could to get some clearence. The pic shows about all I can get even though I made a few compromises. Any thoughts on the clearence shown?? Thanks
IMG_2270.jpg

[Ralph S.]

Re: '72 LS5 w/ a/c owners

Lynn, I see from the photo you have an aftermarket fan clutch, Does that move the fan too far forward?

[Bill C.]

Re: '72 LS5 w/ a/c owners

Lynn,that

clearance looks about right. I will try to find some pics from my old car.

Also - noticed the lower shroud extension missing. It will make a big difference in cooling without it there.

BIll

[Reba W.]

Re: '72 LS5 w/ a/c owners

I know mine looks mighty close, but it doesn't hit the shroud. I will let Dick explain it.

[Rich C.]

Re: '72 LS5 w/ a/c owners

For those of you that have the darn "tipped" 7 blade fan, how close is too close for the tps? I'm putting one in my car and I barely have 1/8" clearence between the tips and the shroud. During operation is it possible that the fan flexes forward toward the shroud when it's spinning at high RPM? For those of you that know how dear these fans are you understand my concern. Thanks!

My '73 LS-4 w/C-60 uses the same fan, and yes I sure understand how dear it is! Found one about 19 years ago, afraid to put it on!!! (of course I will when I restore it). Thought about putting it in a trophy case in my family room!

'73 LS-4 454, owned 22 years

Collecting N.O.S. parts for the restoration for 21 of them

[Warren F.]

Re: '72 LS5 w/ a/c owners

Lynn,
Looking at your picture, I would agree with Ralph Spears. It appears that you don't have an original configured SC fan clutch.

[Mark E.]

Re: '72 LS5 w/ a/c owners

Tom,

While doing a search, I found your five year old thread.

The AIM specifies the fan to shroud clearance. I'm away from home, but I believe it's one inch.

After installing my radiator/shroud/fan/water pump, I was able to adjust the shroud by loosening its top bracket, which is slotted, and pushing it towards the front of the car. It's under tension, so it will spring back if not tightened. I checked clearance by sticking a finger between the fan tip and shroud then rotating the fan so my finger rubs along the inside of the shroud. "One finger" of clearance isn't quite an inch, but that's the maximum I could achieve. The finger method helps insure even clearance around the shroud's circumference, and may show the shroud also needs to be adjusted left/right.

[Domenic T.]

Re: '72 LS5 w/ a/c owners

Tom,
I had the same problem with my 67 coupe. It happened while I was finishing up my frame off. I put new engine mounts on the engine during the restoration and found them to be a bit different than others I had. I changed the mounts and got way better spacing.

Dom

[Mathew S.]

Re: '72 LS5 w/ a/c owners

Mine has the original fan clutch and fan, with parts counter water pump. Figured it would be better to get some time on the engine before putting the AC compressor and hoses on.