Moss Motors, Ltd

Moss carries a good looking after market fan for the TR 5 but nothing for the TR4.  Does anyone know of a replacement fan that would bolt up to a stock TR4? I'm not experiencing any overheating problems but would really like to get something more efficient that the original TR fan. Thanks: KSD

 

An electric fan has got to be the best solution. 

Depending on where you live....Moss Europe certainly do a full bolt on electric fan kit called Revotec, that puts a solid state thermal sensor in the bottom hose. (they also offer other sensors that can be screw fitted into the radiator)  I have the kit on my TR3 and it works a treat.  In stop/start London traffic the engine stays cool and smooth running. The fitment is simple on the TR4 with all that underbonnet access.  Your car needs to be negative earth for this kit to work.  Not hard to convert your car if it is not.

link to site

http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=8064

An electric fan will give you maximum air flow when needed and shut off when the temp is right.  No power drain on the engine when not working, whereas the standard fan continually absorbs engine energy.

We can of course now enter the harmonic balancer conversation and crank breakages on 4 cyl TRs.

Let me say, my brother and I have continually run numerous 4 cyl TRs since 1970 and not yet broken a crank. Every one of those cars had the standard engine fan replaced by and electric one, as the first modification. In those days we made our own from wiper motors, exhaust clamps and Ford Escort plastic fans.  Some of those old 4 bladed metal monsters are still in a box under our garage bench awaiting a concourse rebuilder's request.

Cheers

Peter W

You may want to consider using the stock 8-blade plastic fan from the TR-6. It is lighter, moves more air and is undoubtedly better balanced than the original four blade fans.  The part should be easily attainable through Moss or any number of other vendors; I purchased one as recently as this past spring for a TR-4A restoration. Its a straight forward bolt on part and I have used it successfully on several TR-4's and 4A's.

If you go with a tr6 fan for it to work it's best you will need to make a shourd for the radator. I went with a electric fan!    HPIM2669.JPG

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The only dum question is the one not asked

A shroud will certainly make any fan more efficient.  I was simply suggesting a simple, inexpensive, bolt-on, and fairly significant improvement over the stock four blade metal fan. I am somewhat amused at the discussion of maximum efficiency with shrouding, and eliminating power drain by going electric; gentlemen, this IS a tractor motor we are referring to.

 

Cheers,

Dan 

Maybe you should just take it out in the feild and drive around and don't even put a fan on it

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The only dum question is the one not asked

But for the miserable ground clearance...

It's been my experience over the past nearly 40 years and 10+ TR's that if the cooling system is properly serviced and maintained, an 8 blade fan is more than adequate for cooling unless you reside in Needles, Barstow or Death Valley. I clearly love the marque and all that goes with it, but none the less I am a realist and know the limitations of a tractor based motor using sixty year old technology and design.  If building a shroud makes you happy, so be it and I fully support your choice.  If one believes the incremental reduction in drag that an electric fan brings justifies the expense, go with God.  But please refrain from talking down to someone that doesn't necessarily agree with the small incremental improvements they may make for the cost.

We all have our priorities, mine are to enjoy the car with all its limitations and quirks.  An eight blade fan is as far as I've ventured from stock and I'm quite happy with the car as it sits. If I want quiet performance and high efficiency I can drive a BMW.  I prefer the noise, the smells and the wind in my face that an old stock TR brings.  We all have our priorities...    

Now you have me wondering witch one pulls more on the engine a 6 blade fan or the extra drag on the genorator ?

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The only dum question is the one not asked

Let's not forget the cro magnon inspired one inch wide fan belt.  I'm thinking that's got to be good for at least a 5 bhp drop!  :) 

Just replaced mine yesterday, what a joy lifting the motor to replace a belt!  Put a new one on when I rebuilt the car about a year and a half ago.  It was the Flennor belt supplied by Moss.  Everytime the motor got above 3K there would be a horrible clacking that sounded to all the world like a really bad rocker out of adjustment.  Turns out it was a bad belt and of course too long since I purchased it to return.  Replaced with a Gates belt and now the motor hums. A little less than ecstatic with the quality of parts I've been receiving as of late...

 I'm wondering if bolting on a TR6 fan to my TR4 is just a matter of swaping out the fan or do I also need the shorter fan hub that Moss sells to accomplish the mod? Thanks: KSD

Nope,it's a straight forward replacement.  Your current hub will workjust fine.  Due to clearance issues you'll likely have to pull the radiator to get the job done, but other than that just unbolt and replace.  Obviously while you're doing it you should replace the rubber washers that act as shock absorbers around the mounting bolts.  I would also recommend a small dab of lock tite on the bolts when installing - cheap insurance.