> > I have removed the cooling fan from my 59 TR3. I would like to
> replace the
> > fan with a electric version.. How ever I came along in one of
> my books that
> > the removal of the fan is mot recommended due to crank
> > shaft balancing. Now
> > I have lost the balancing marks on my engine.
> > Should I continue with my project??.
Michael, the issue is not one of balance, but rather of vibration. The
balancing marks and weights are only to balance the fan, the rest of the
engine remains balanced without it. (Well, as well as the factory balanced
it originally. Most could do with being rebalanced.)
Supposedly, the crank will 'ring' or resonate at certain frequencies, the
rubber bushings in the original fan help to damp the ringing. In theory,
without them, the ringing can build to the point that it snaps the
crankshaft.
However, I've run several TR3/A engines for a great many miles in exactly
the configuration you are contemplating, and never broken a crank. My
current daily driver doesn't even have the hub extension (which allows for
mounting the electric fan behind the radiator, IMO a good idea) and I've
driven it an estimated 100,000 miles (on two different engines) that way
with no problems except the pulley hub working loose on the crankshaft (due
to an inadequate clamping arrangement). YMMV of course.
Keep in mind though, that the original charging system is marginal even
without any added accessories. Cooling fans draw a good deal of power, and
you may have problems if you need to run the fan & headlights at the same
time.
Randall
59 TR3A TS39781LO daily driver (back on the road, woo hoo!)
63 Sports 6 HB7826LCV rustoration project
71 Stag LE1473L daily driver wanna be
57 TR3 TS21731L rusting quietly
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