Thread: 6 cyl flat head cooling fan

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I just finished rebuilding a 49 Plymouth, has the flat head engine. I've noticed running around 55-60 the engine sounds like its turning to high rpm's. the gent I bought it from came by to take a look and he pointed out that he had replaced the stock fan with the 5 blade thats on it now. after he left it hit me, could this be the reason it sounds like its turning to high. the stock fan is a odd looking 4 blade, I say odd because the blades are not opposite each other but have a slant look to them. could this change in fans be causing this or is it I'm not use to hearing a flat head 6 running 55--60mph on the highway--------thanks, Richie

Yes, it could be the fan. That funny looking one with the blades staggered is made like that so it doesn't set up a frequency of vibration, which is what makes noise.

Any chance that five blade fan is one of those Flex Fans with what looks like stainless steel flexible blades? If so , they are quite noisy at higher RPM's

Its a steel fan, didn't think to ask the guy what it came off of. last night I found a stock fan on ebay and I'm going to bid the last 30 seconds and hope to get it-------Richie

Originally Posted by Richie

Its a steel fan, didn't think to ask the guy what it came off of. last night I found a stock fan on ebay and I'm going to bid the last 30 seconds and hope to get it-------Richie

Falcon/ Mustang 6cyl fans are staggard/ small, and use a standard bolt pattern, 1 of them might work, if you loose the bid on the stocker. they don't make too much noise.

Pull off the fan and go for a quick ride at those speeds to see if it goes away. A buddy of mine had a '49 Plymouth (stock) and it didn't like to go that fast without making some noises, as I remember.

But pulling the fan off will be the proof.

Don

Those flex fans aren't generally worth a damn. While they can, repeat, can add miniscule HP they do not cool throughout the entire operating range of the engine as well as the original fan. There's a reason the stock fans work- they were engineered to depending on their specific application. Aftermarket one-size-fits-all for anything is a guess at best.

If anyone really, really needs suplemental cooling best to get an electric- yeah they make 6v.

those flex fans do really suck! i have a fan if you need one plus a few other flattie parts...let me know

well i must be odd man out again ive got a flex fan and it sure works!

i guess i should say they suck in my 49,sorry gasser

I bought a stock fan for this flat head and it made a lot of difference in the noise and seems to run better, now I'm taking a 1940 Packard apart. just about redy to pull the body off the frame, it will come off today, just a few more bolts. this will be a street rod, at 66 I feel like a kid in a candy store. having to much fun----------Richie

Originally Posted by gassersrule_196

well i must be odd man out again ive got a flex fan and it sure works!

Agreed, never had a problem with them.

Anybody need a 6 blade fan and pully I'll take 25 for it and you pay shipping, its the one i HAD ON MY 49 Plymouth-----------Richie

you got any of the trim peices?

Sorry, all I have is one nice looking 49 Plymouth---------Richie