Fan Swap From 350 3 Blade To 6.2 5 Blade

[87ChevyV20]

So, building up Ole Blister (https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/ole-blister-87-v20-scottsdale-4x4.37641/), I plan on plowing snow and towing with it.

It has a stock 3 blade fan on it, but have heard they can get toasty with the plow on it going from driveway to driveway.

I have a 5 blade fan from a 83ish 6.2 diesel.

Would this be a worthy swap?
I am not sure if the temperature that it starts turning is the same, lower or higher. Being a diesel fan, I would think it is a little lower?

Also, is the stock radiator up to the task?
Is there a radiator you all would recommend?

Thanks.

 

[Itali83]

I see you’re from Maine. Where abouts? I’m from the Portland area.

Anyway, all of my squares that have plows and drive on the road need to have a locked fan. My 87 had a solid mounted flex fan on it while I had a plow on it. And my 76 I use now I just drilled and bolted the stock fan clutch together so it’s solid.

I went from a 3 blade to a 5 blade and it would overheat within 5 miles with the plow on. Didn’t matter if I had the plow all the way up or skipping along the road, it would overheat. I bought a new severe duty fan clutch, no change at all. Not even the slightest. I swapped out the stock 3 core brass radiator for a nice 3 core aluminum radiator. No change, not even a little. Got fed up and bolted the fan hub solid, now the temp stays a constant 190 and never moves. Winter or summer. Plow or not. Must just be the aerodynamics of these trucks and having a plow on.

Put the 5 blade fan on, take an old clutch unit, drill two holes and bolt it together solid. Save yourself the headache. Get a new clutch for summertime if the noise bothers you.

Ben

 

[87ChevyV20]

I see you’re from Maine. Where abouts? I’m from the Portland area.

I am just north of Bangor, in my little slice of heaven!

I went from a 3 blade to a 5 blade and it would overheat within 5 miles with the plow on.

The reason I bring this up is my Dad had a 88 old body style with these same problems.
But only with the plow on.

I guess it isn't a huge deal because I won't drive it far with the plow on, hopefully.

 

[Itali83]

Good luck, I’m telling you it happens fast. I’m 6.5 miles from my work and couldn’t make it without overheating. Only with the plow on. I wasn’t expecting it the first time since I’d never had a problem with engine temp at all.

Ben

 

[87ChevyV20]

As far as plowing goes, I only plow myself and the neighbor across the street.

It should be good, but I am sure there will always be the call of a stuck friend or just needing to go some where real quick.

 

[BKING33]

the water pump bolt pattern is different on a diesel. You could possible just swap the blade onto the clutch hub.