Cooling Fan strengther plate

[myoldjalopy]

My 1955 Minor has no 'strengthening plate' over the fan blade itself. How imortant is this and can one be fitted without taking the rad out?

Thank,

Pete

[philthehill]

The strengthening plate (Pt No: 2A803 (MOSS)) was fitted because it was found that without it stress cracks started to appear radiating from the one or more of the fan securing bolt holes.
My recommendation is to source and fit one.
Currently not available from MOSS but is available from ESM (Pt No: 10M298)
In the meantime remove the fan blade and check that there are NO cracks radiating from the securing bolt holes as you may have to order a fan blade as well (Pt No: AEA301 (MOSS)).
It can be fitted without removing the radiator but watch your knuckles on the core of the radiator as the fins can be quite sharp.
As a temporary measure but only if the fan blade is not cracked use the largest PENNY WASHERs that you can fit without fouling the raised centre portions of the fan blade.

[myoldjalopy]

Thank you Phil. Good advice.

Cheers,

Pete

[Roni]

Years ago, I had a fan blade break at the fitting holes. It very neatly sliced the bottom radiator outlet off. Wasn't far from a brake line either. Have a good look for cracks.

[myoldjalopy]

Yes, years ago I had a fan blade break and it made a dent in the bonnet! Also, once I had a fan belt break and it sliced through the bottom hose AND ripped out some lighting wiring! But that's another story...............

Going to get to this job at the weekend, I hope.

[myoldjalopy]

Job done! And no sign of any cracks in the fan blade.