"Taurus fan" in a Kirkham

[RodKnock]

I'll be watching this thread, since I haven't heard much at all about cooling issues with Kirkham's.

When I'm caught in traffic on a hot day, the Kirkham-supplied fan does the trick for me. And I also use just distilled water and Redline's "Water Wetter."

[rodneym]

phil,

I had overheating issues with my motor. All the little tricks didn't do chit. Here's what worked for me:

I installed twin pushers, using the original puller fan wiring for the twins. Looks good but did nothing...

Then I installed a 70A relay with another switch on the dash (might be a problem depending on how you are with accuracy). I replaced the standard Spal puller with a H.O. (high output) Spal 30102113. This did the trick. It's got about 5 more amps of pull and does what the original Spal couldn't, and it's physically a drop in, not muss, no fuss. Just the wiring, which is easy.

Now for the caveat: The fan is recommended not to be operated more than 1 hr at a time. For me, when I'm moving, I'm good. When I'm in traffic, which would NEVER be for more than 20 mins let alone an hour, the fan goes on manually. These fans are used in some older Ferraris, like the 355 or 360, automatically. I haven't heard of any issues with them blowing. I came through the summer with no heat issues at all.

Might want to try it before installing a big shroud. For me, it wasn't an option anyways due to the Paxtons. If you need any help with the wiring, let me know. I though I'd throw this out there as an option for you.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by rodneym

Then I installed a 70A relay with another switch on the dash (might be a problem depending on how you are with accuracy). I replaced the standard Spal puller with a H.O. (high output) Spal 30102113. This did the trick. It's got about 5 more amps of pull and does what the original Spal couldn't, and it's physically a drop in, not muss, no fuss. Just the wiring, which is easy.

Now for the caveat: The fan is recommended not to be operated more than 1 hr at a time. For me, when I'm moving, I'm good. When I'm in traffic, which would NEVER be for more than 20 mins let alone an hour, the fan goes on manually. These fans are used in some older Ferraris, like the 355 or 360, automatically. I haven't heard of any issues with them blowing. I came through the summer with no heat issues at all.

That fan (the Spal 30102113) is a workhorse of a fan -- 3000 CFM. I use its "little brother" the Spal 30102120 -- it pulls just under 2000 CFM and I have no problem with my FE and heat. Users should note that the 30102113, in addition to having the goofy one hour limit, has a motor that is not sealed. Keep that in mind if you drive your car in the rain, or in high-dust (which most of us don't do anyway).

[philminotti]

So I completed my retrofit of Spal's high output fan to my Kirkham and have so far been pleased with the results. Mind you, it's not the intense heat of summer around here yet, but I have noticed a big difference. Required drilling out some rivets, but overall, not a big deal at all. I recommend it for anyone who needs more airflow through the radiator at low speeds. I'm sure a fully shrouded fan would be even better, but that would require major surgery on my car. Thanks go out to Rodney for the suggestion.

[rodneym]

Glad to hear it, phil.
Allow me to reserve the right to say that it does help, but not perfect.

My latest is using a smaller W/P pulley but didn't get to really test it due to turning the car in to McCluskey's for paint. It should be done in a couple weeks, just in time for the heat.

Report back any news and I will too.