I have less then 1/8" clearance at the bottom of the shroud to the fan. Motor mounts are new and I lowered the shroud as far down as I could. Is this common?

 

As long as it doesn't hit...

If you have gobs of room above the fan, try a belt an inch longer.

 

You will need more than 1/8" clearance to allow for engine roll and such. 1/2 " would be normal clearance between the fan tips and the shroud all the way around. You might try to modify the mounting holes to lower the shroud.

 

You had mentioned in an earlier post that you was having trouble reinstalling the radiator mount/frame. Do you have the correct thickness rubber pad under it? It may be too high for some reason.
Mark

 

I used the DC rad support pad so I assume its correct. Looks like the old one. I lowered the shroud until it touched the lower hoses, thats all it goes. Well the engine should not go down so thats a good thing. Good idea on the belt though, I might try it if there is a problem.

 

You may want to consider something before it's a problem. If the fan hits the shroud, it will tear up both the fan and the shroud. Best to make sure your clearances are good before you have to go searching for more new parts. And just because your mounts are new, don't necessarily believe they're correct. Aftermarket parts have been known to be less than accurate at times. Even for new cars. Check and recheck everything. My 2c.

 

I'm not sure what engine that you have (suggest that you add that along with the model to your signature in UserCP along with your location) but assuming that it is a V8 the system really is pretty simple. An ⅛" isn't enough clearance.

1. The radiator support pad isn't very thick and as long as your support is sitting firmly against it sandwiching it to the front crossmember then that part of it should be correct.
2. Next the motor mounts should have 6 pieces on top of the frame (#8, 9, 7, 6, 2 & 3 in the picture). The height if the engine is controlled by how much you tighten the nut (#8).
3. Finally the transmission crossmember and the mount there will have an even bigger impact due to their lever arm distance. If your crossmember has been bent up as it would if it hit something then that would move the front of the engine down. Check the bolts on the bottom of the crossmember (if you have an F2-F5) and see if they have been damaged which would give you a clue).

Hope this helps,