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Cooling fans & snorkel ideas..

badmix

1/2 ton status
Joined
Nov 7, 2004
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Location
West Virginia
My truck is '84 K5 w/ 305cid (120k on speedo) 700r.

Okay, I have 2 questions, problems, comments what have you.

The first is about my CLutch cooling fan. On occasion with the A/C going and in traffic around 30-40mph, my temp gauge will creep up to 210 degrees but never touch it. When I was driving on the interstate last Dec. I would hit the mountains in Va/WVa border and would have to kick into passing gear and my temp gauge would rise up pretty good, but not enuff to over heat. Now, my question is this, how does the clutch fan operate exactly and would I benefit more if I dump this and go to a FLEX fan, from what ive been told a Flex fan is a mechanical fan that spins all the time. Or would I be better off converting to electric fans. Id like to avoid the electric fan deal if possible.


My second idea is the snorkel deal. Ive only seen one or two k5 w/ snorkel. My truck is carb'd. But I was at the speed shop the other day and they have a CAP for a HOlley carb that basically turns an open element style into a dual ram air. The guy at speed shop says the 4x4 guys are jus siliconing the bottom and running generic hoses up high to make a snorkel. What do you guys think of this idea. is it feasible and functional? Id rather not have dual snorkels , so id seal up the one side somehow. But what about the snorkel itself. I dont want to do the PVC pipe deal. Id like to find an actualy one that would work fairly well. ANyone have a model number or truck/SUV that a snorkel off of would fit a Blazer?

Thanks in advance. :D
 
Flex fans are WORSE at speed than clutch fans, as long as the clutch is good. If you don't overheat at idle, the fan clutch is likely good. They *might* slip if not working correctly, but from what I've seen/heard, they usually just stop working altogether.

If you need a snorkle, sorry, you need an electric fan. Gotta be able to shut it off somehow.
 
I like my flex fan... never once had a cooling problem with it.

But If you do have a mechanical fan that hits water (like mine did) it can bend the blades. I've heard stories of blades coming loose and flying around like shrapnal, not to mention the possibility of the fan hitting the radiator which would be disasterous. So if you seriously are considering fording water then go electrical.
 
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