Reason for void in fan shroud?

[Michael C.]

On the '67 L-71, does anyone know why there is a large hole in the fan shroud next to the upper radiator hose connection? It seems that this serves no purpose and decreases the effectiveness of the fan pulling hard to cool the engine. It seems to me the tighter you can seal the shroud to the radiator the better the cooling.



Mike C.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Reason for void in fan shroud?

I think it's to cool the altinator. I did not cut mine out for the reason you described /

Dom

[Michael C.]

Re: Reason for void in fan shroud?

That seems logical given the location in relation to the alternator. I might experiment with temporarily sealing that hole and see of it makes any difference in temp/cooling. If not I wouldn't risk overheating the alternator.

Mike

[Domenic T.]

Re: Reason for void in fan shroud?

I bought my shroud back in 1971 from Chevy. It was a replacement and the hole was not cut out. It just might be that they figured out that the hole made no sense. All the shroud seals with that big air leak. It would seem that it could only blow hot air to cool the alternator when the car was moving.

Dom

[Leif A.]

Re: Reason for void in fan shroud?

I bought my shroud back in 1971 from Chevy. It was a replacement and the hole was not cut out. It just might be that they figured out that the hole made no sense. All the shroud seals with that big air leak. It would seem that it could only blow hot air to cool the alternator when the car was moving.

Dom

Dom,
Your logic would seem to be spot on. However, the hole in the shroud was originally designed to "cool" the alternator. Kinda like surrounding your house with a three foot high wall of sand bags to keep the water out from a hurricane but leave a three foot hole in the perimeter so you can walk down your front walkway.