Radiator Fan Replacement?

ppritchard · 08-06-2011, 09:54 AM

Searched, but not one thread on radiator fans?

Anyway, we have the drivers' side dead and a new one on the way from Ray.
The manual only details removing the entire radiator with fans attached.

Rather not do that. I've heard that we can remove the top in-the-way stuff and just disconnect the fan shroud, fans and wiring -- but again the manual just doesn't describe it that way.

Anyone removed the shroud and fans and left the radiator?
Any tricks or issues? Looks like up to four bolts holding the shroud.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Garfinkles Motor Works · 08-06-2011, 08:49 PM

Yes I did that last summer,replaced both motors .The motor was a direct replacement from Advanced Auto parts .Cheeper than the Mazda part and the same maker .The four bladed fan puts out more air then the five blade .I bought my second four blade fan from Mazda for about $34 .

vincentrx7 · 08-07-2011, 09:15 PM

I went with a JEGS fan. I had to make a few mods but it moves much more air and is a lot lower profile.

Force13b · 08-08-2011, 11:10 AM

You can pull the fan's out through the top, you can even replace your radiator that way. I did it that way 5/6 yrs ago. Just remove everything you see that covers the fans. Airbox, IC, battery box from there you should be able to figure it out.

ppritchard · 08-08-2011, 03:15 PM

Thanks.
Fan Motor arrived today.
Hopefully that will be the answer.

thanks

yzf-r1 · 08-08-2011, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincentrx7

I went with a JEGS fan. I had to make a few mods but it moves much more air and is a lot lower profile.

Which one did you go with? A lower profile fan would be a big help to clear my IC duct

Signal 2 · 08-09-2011, 04:54 AM

If you need something aftermarket for clearance issues that's one thing. But just because a fan has a higher CFM by it's manufacturer doesn't automatically mean it's more effective when installed. Decent ducting is important too. The stock fan assembly is tough to beat IMO.
Never had a problem with mine. Still the original one....knocking on wood.

Force13b · 08-09-2011, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Signal 2

If you need something aftermarket for clearance issues that's one thing. But just because a fan has a higher CFM by it's manufacturer doesn't automatically mean it's more effective when installed. Decent ducting is important too. The stock fan assembly is tough to beat IMO.
Never had a problem with mine. Still the original one....knocking on wood.

hades · 08-09-2011, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yzf-r1

Which one did you go with? A lower profile fan would be a big help to clear my IC duct

what SMIC do you have?

vincentrx7 · 08-09-2011, 08:14 PM

I don't know the model number but it was the one closest in size to the stock unit.
BTW, why is the stock unit have one a 4 blade and one 5 blade fan?

vincentrx7 · 08-09-2011, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Signal 2

If you need something aftermarket for clearance issues that's one thing. But just because a fan has a higher CFM by it's manufacturer doesn't automatically mean it's more effective when installed. Decent ducting is important too. The stock fan assembly is tough to beat IMO.
Never had a problem with mine. Still the original one....knocking on wood.

Are you just looking for a point of argument? Not sure why you point out the obvious? But for argument's sake, the JEGS fan fit nicely...as good as the stock with a few modifications. The rubber seals completely to the radiator on all 4 sides. I also have ducting made from aluminum sheeting to the radiator.
The low profile allows now for a custom cold air intake to the scoop in the hood.

yzf-r1 · 08-09-2011, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hades

what SMIC do you have?

M2 Medium

Garfinkles Motor Works · 08-10-2011, 02:27 AM

The five blade and four blade fans are used so then fans will not set up harmonic noise.Two four blade or two five blade fans near each other running at near the same speed will set up a harmonic pulseing noise .I use two four bladed fans and I have heard the pulse a few times with the hood open but it is not enough worry about .

***Herblenny*** · 08-10-2011, 08:16 AM

Like Garfinkle, I run 2 x 4 blade fans on my FD. Mainly because I no longer have the SMIC.. I was also told by some MIT engineer that 4 blades actually pull more air..

Signal 2 · 08-12-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincentrx7

Are you just looking for a point of argument? Not sure why you point out the obvious? But for argument's sake, the JEGS fan fit nicely...as good as the stock with a few modifications. The rubber seals completely to the radiator on all 4 sides. I also have ducting made from aluminum sheeting to the radiator.
The low profile allows now for a custom cold air intake to the scoop in the hood.

OK, let's argue. Apparently it isn't obvious. The OP posted a question about removing the fan assembly. Your reply to that is that you stuck a JEG'S fan in your car instead. As if that's an answer on how to replace the fan motor or remove the assembly. And without any qualifications as to "why" you went that route. The OP isn't exactly new to the FD and probably knew better. But for consideration to any readers who were new, I suggested that's not necessarily a good option.
I'm happy if it's working for you. But you posted no figures, pictures or reasons why getting a JEG'S fan was better. And I submit that in MOST cases, they are not.

08-06-2011, 09:54 AM	#1
ppritchard Rotary Fan in Training Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Orlando Posts: 43 Rep Power: 0	Radiator Fan Replacement? Searched, but not one thread on radiator fans? Anyway, we have the drivers' side dead and a new one on the way from Ray. The manual only details removing the entire radiator with fans attached. Rather not do that. I've heard that we can remove the top in-the-way stuff and just disconnect the fan shroud, fans and wiring -- but again the manual just doesn't describe it that way. Anyone removed the shroud and fans and left the radiator? Any tricks or issues? Looks like up to four bolts holding the shroud. Thanks in advance for any input.

08-07-2011, 09:15 PM	#3
vincentrx7 20b FD Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 105 Rep Power: 18	I went with a JEGS fan. I had to make a few mods but it moves much more air and is a lot lower profile. __________________ Bobby '93 20b RX-7

08-09-2011, 04:54 AM	#7
Signal 2 Viable Fossil Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mid-West Posts: 199 Rep Power: 18	If you need something aftermarket for clearance issues that's one thing. But just because a fan has a higher CFM by it's manufacturer doesn't automatically mean it's more effective when installed. Decent ducting is important too. The stock fan assembly is tough to beat IMO. Never had a problem with mine. Still the original one....knocking on wood. __________________ Jim VR R1 FD Last edited by Signal 2; 08-09-2011 at 04:56 AM.

08-09-2011, 08:14 PM	#10
vincentrx7 20b FD Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 105 Rep Power: 18	I don't know the model number but it was the one closest in size to the stock unit. BTW, why is the stock unit have one a 4 blade and one 5 blade fan? __________________ Bobby '93 20b RX-7

08-10-2011, 08:16 AM	#14
*Herblenny* Founder/Administrator/Internet Pitbull :) Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 644 Rep Power: 10	Like Garfinkle, I run 2 x 4 blade fans on my FD. Mainly because I no longer have the SMIC.. I was also told by some MIT engineer that 4 blades actually pull more air.. __________________ DGRR 2013 - Year of 13B www.DealsGapRotaryRally.com http://www.facebook.com/Herblenny

08-06-2011, 08:49 PM	#2
Garfinkles Motor Works RCC Contributor Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 535 Rep Power: 18	Yes I did that last summer,replaced both motors .The motor was a direct replacement from Advanced Auto parts .Cheeper than the Mazda part and the same maker .The four bladed fan puts out more air then the five blade .I bought my second four blade fan from Mazda for about $34 .

08-08-2011, 11:10 AM	#4
Force13b cxxxx\|::::::::::::> Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 315 Rep Power: 16	You can pull the fan's out through the top, you can even replace your radiator that way. I did it that way 5/6 yrs ago. Just remove everything you see that covers the fans. Airbox, IC, battery box from there you should be able to figure it out.

08-08-2011, 03:15 PM	#5
ppritchard Rotary Fan in Training Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Orlando Posts: 43 Rep Power: 0	Thanks. Fan Motor arrived today. Hopefully that will be the answer. thanks

08-10-2011, 02:27 AM	#13
Garfinkles Motor Works RCC Contributor Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 535 Rep Power: 18	The five blade and four blade fans are used so then fans will not set up harmonic noise.Two four blade or two five blade fans near each other running at near the same speed will set up a harmonic pulseing noise .I use two four bladed fans and I have heard the pulse a few times with the hood open but it is not enough worry about .