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Rad fan REPLACED!
Posted: 11 Apr 2014, 17:01
by Ralf85
I have decided to bite the bullet, so a question. I have ordered a 14" rad fan from Kenlowe. Is there enough space between the rad and the front grill to install this or does this require the rad being removed to install it behind the rad? It does seem fairly slim.

Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 11 Apr 2014, 18:03
by California Dreamin
I'm really not sure why you would want to fit an aftermarket fan when the originals are more than adequate? what are you going to do about the two speed operation?
Martin
Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 11 Apr 2014, 19:49
by Ralf85
Cos after searching I could not find a new VW one. Is there one out there? Can you see one anywhere? Cheers.

Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 11 Apr 2014, 20:47
by California Dreamin
Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 11 Apr 2014, 21:00
by Ralf85
Thanks for that. I could be wrong (I often am) but it's a used one isn't it? Looks like it going by the writing on it. It may be as bad as the one I have on the van just now. When it comes to electrical parts I prefer to buy new quality stuff and I've been told Kenlowe stuff is good. If I am making a mistake please tell me. Thanks again.
Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 11 Apr 2014, 21:22
by California Dreamin
First two are brand new but obviously before ordering you need to take some measurements of your old fan.
All I can say is using the original cowling and mount will be far easier that making the Kenlowe fit.
Martin
Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 11 Apr 2014, 22:50
by Plasticman
kenlowes are mint but again i dont see the need on our vans, i like many i have a spare or two, how much are you getting asked for one as kensd are not cheap
mm
Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 12 Apr 2014, 13:01
by Aidan
drop an email to Michael at Brickwerks
sales@brickwerks.co.uk if there is a good new available fan of the correct type they will know, they do seem very long lived and robust generally so a good used one shouldn't be ruled out especially if you can fit the later ones - I haven't got the parts programme on this laptop linux partition so I can't check now
Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 12 Apr 2014, 16:08
by California Dreamin
Aidan....as you say, electric fans in general are pretty robust things, normally very reliable and so a good used one can be fitted with some confidence...perhaps the reason why you don't see all the suppliers stocking new ones.....
I did manage to find new replacements but to be honest, if it were me, I would be quite happy fitting a good used one.
Martin
Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 12 Apr 2014, 16:31
by bigherb
But he has got a 305mm 200w single speed fan if it is a DF engine.
Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 12 Apr 2014, 17:15
by AdrianC
Ralf85 wrote:I have decided to bite the bullet, so a question. I have ordered a 14" rad fan from Kenlowe. Is there enough space between the rad and the front grill to install this or does this require the rad being removed to install it behind the rad? It does seem fairly slim.

Why not fit in on the back, suck-through, like the one you'll be removing? Any half-way decent aftermarket generic fan should be capable of being installed suck-through or blow-through. It's only a matter of rotation direction.
Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 12 Apr 2014, 17:57
by California Dreamin
bigherb wrote:
But he has got a 305mm 200w single speed fan if it is a DF engine.
So did all DF's have a single speed fan? I thought single speed fans were earlier than '85' ?
Best to check on the old unit, a part number would definitely help as those new fans do have cross reference numbers.
I know the two speed motors are quite a bit more powerful but I don't think they were as high as 500watts
Martin
Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 12 Apr 2014, 18:09
by bigherb
California Dreamin wrote:
So did all DF's have a single speed fan?
Martin
Yes
Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 12 Apr 2014, 18:15
by AdrianC
California Dreamin wrote:I know the two speed motors are quite a bit more powerful but I don't think they were as high as 500watts
Is too powerful a fan a good thing? I'm not sure it would be. You'll just get the fan starting-and-stopping more often once the engine gets a bit warm. The rad'll get blast-chilled, a rad-full of cold water heads back to the engine, as more teabag-ready water comes for'ard.
Re: Replacing rad fan with a Kenlowe fan
Posted: 12 Apr 2014, 18:33
by bigherb
AdrianC wrote:
Is too powerful a fan a good thing? I'm not sure it would be.
Your right it would cause more thermal shock to the engine, especially as the DF is wired for single speed which means the fan would run on fast speed only, and the DF has a smaller capacity radiator.