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Flathead fan issues

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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 12:40 PM
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Flathead fan issues

First nice day of the year, figured Id go out and see if i could get my fan mounted on my 1950 Ford F2. I purchased my fan on Ebay and it came complete with the mount. I was told the 1950 F2 had the 5/8 belt, so thats what I went with. But it appears that the mount is to wide for the grooves on the engine. I am very new to this so I may be doing something wrong. I got the parts disk but couldn't get a good pic. Posting a pic of my engine, shouldn't the fan mount evenly with the grooves below? If so am I needing a 3/8 model? I do not have a generator/alternator yet. Just thought thats where the fan should go, right below that threaded extension in the middle. Hope im making sense lol, thanks guys.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 12:45 PM
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I believe you need the generator mount, and then the fan actually bolts on to that.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 12:48 PM
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Ok, I was hoping cause everyone I spoke to was pretty convinced the fan I got should work. Thanks!
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 12:53 PM
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If you don't have it, you are going to need a bolt and washer similar to this:

Flathead Generator Fan Mount Kit

The square washer is a pain, because you have to keep it straight while tightening down the generator bracket, otherwise the fan bracket won't fit.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 12:56 PM
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Would I need that if I went with the alternator? How many do I need?
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 01:04 PM
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Originally Posted by JPMallory

The square washer is a pain, because you have to keep it straight while tightening down the generator bracket, otherwise the fan bracket won't fit.
After many hours wrangling with that, I figured out how to beat it. You put the fan on the gen mount with no belts, far enough up that the washer is engaged and square. With only the generator belt on, tighten up the gen belt and tighten the big nut and washer. Then loosen the fan bolts, drop the fan down enough to put on the belt, then slide it back up until tight.

I've got plenty of generator mounts if you need one, Doc. You really need to get a manual so you can see what you're working with.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by ALBUQ F-1
After many hours wrangling with that, I figured out how to beat it. You put the fan on the gen mount with no belts, far enough up that the washer is engaged and square. With only the generator belt on, tighten up the gen belt and tighten the big nut and washer. Then loosen the fan bolts, drop the fan down enough to put on the belt, then slide it back up until tight.
That's good advice. I'll remember that for the next time I have to mess with it. Which hopefully isn't anytime soon.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 01:17 PM
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Yes, you will still need the large nut/square washer combo for the alternator bracket. You will need one.

Here is mine installed. You can see the alternator bracket (A) behind the fan mounting flange. It is held on by the nut/square washer (C) The fan is then held to the alternator (or generator) bracket with a couple of regular bolts (B)

The way Ross explained is by far the best way to install the alternator, fan, and belts. It will save you time, frustration, and busted knuckles.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 01:49 PM
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Here's how it assembles. Just a whole lot harder to get to in the truck and with the gen and fan in place.








 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by ALBUQ F-1
Here's how it assembles. Just a whole lot harder to get to in the truck and with the gen and fan in place.
Yeah, I believe the job requires no fewer than five cusswords. Or maybe I was just having a bad day.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 02:12 PM
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I made a tool to lift the alternator (would be slightly different for a generator) out of 1/2" rod. Once you get the gen/alt up enough for the slot in the mount to be visible, stick the rod in thru the slot and pry up against the manifold surface. Works great!

The absolute best way is the way we tensioned Doc's generator. We put a strap around the gen, and used an engine hoist to lift it! Easy-peezy.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 04:21 PM
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Those pictures were perfect, thank you. I have the manual and the parts disk, guess I need to study them a bit more. I appreciate the help. I was going to go with the alternator that looks like the old school generator. Done have the bracket yet but these pics and the advice was perfect. Thanks all!
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 04:40 PM
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Unfortunately it still looks like ill need to replace my 5/8 fan setup with a 3/8. My fan pulley is bigger than all the others.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 05:11 PM
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If that is your engine in the OP, all the pulleys look to be for wide belt?
 
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Old Apr 2, 2015 | 06:07 PM
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Thats my engine. Heres my fan. Something just seems dif

ferent.

 
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