L78 Nova fan noise.

[ZiggyL78]

I have a 70 Nova L78 that is all stock and sounds normal. I have had a number of L78 Novas and a few of of them had quite a loud howl that sounded like a truck. I didn't think there was anything wrong and never really searched to see where it comes from. This car I have now has what looks to me to be a stock shroud and 5 blade fan with no thermal clutch. It runs great and I sort of miss that howl. I have never heard the same sound from any other Camaro or Chevelle with a L78.

[WILMASBOYL78]

The 'howl' as you call it is standard equipment for these fans...they all do it.

Back in the day the noise was the reason a lot guys went with a flex-a-lite unit...the noise got to them.

No need to worry...if folks ask about the noise, just tell them you have a mini-blower installed and don't open the hood :naughty:

-wilma

[ZiggyL78]

The 'howl' as you call it is standard equipment for these fans...they all do it.

Back in the day the noise was the reason a lot guys went with a flex-a-lite unit...the noise got to them.

No need to worry...if folks ask about the noise, just tell them you have a mini-blower installed and don't open the hood :naughty:

-wilma

Thanks.The problem is mine doesn't do it.Do all L78s use a 5 blade fan?

[rts]

Tom
Why do L-78 novas have the fixed blade only and all other L-78 models have fan clutches???
Thanks in advance
Mike

[Mr70]

Because there's no room for it between the water pump and the radiator,like other vehicles that used a fan clutch.
The 7 bladed fans use the clutch and it needs more space.

[WILMASBOYL78]

Tom
Why do L-78 novas have the fixed blade only and all other L-78 models have fan clutches???
Thanks in advance
Mike

As noted, the space is the issue...the first year of the big block Nova [1968] used the short water pump with a clutch and 5 blade fan...that was the only year for that setup.

And despite what the 'repop catalog' guys show on their websites, there was never a spacer between the fan and water pump on the 69-70 cars. As for the lack of noise...?? hard to answer that one...maybe post a photo of the fan blade so we can see what you got.

[Igosplut]

There are several GM versions of those 5 blade heavy metal non-flex fans. Some have more of an aggressive pitch than others, that were installed on 70-72 small and big block trucks. Someone might have put one of those on, trying to pass it off as the correct fan (you have to look close at them).

[ZiggyL78]

Here are some pics.Hard to really get good ones.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1460372449

[68 Chevy II]

Looks like a painted flex fan.
The blades don't look correct at all
Just my 2 cents

[Salvatore]

fan not correct in my opinion.

[Mr.Nickey Nova]

That fan blade is not a original type. Remove that spacer, should not be there.

[ZiggyL78]

You guys are right. My fan blades join the fan arms off center with 3/4 of the bent blade hanging over the arm and 1/4 of the blade is where the actual rivets are. It resembles a kitchen knife with the blade hanging be low the handle and the other side of the blade is level with the back of the handle. The GM arms join the blade almost in the middle with the blades actually hang over the arm on each side.

Sorry to be so technical ;)

Is the Camaro and Chevelle fan for the L78 a different design then the Nova's ? Those cars don't sound the same as a Nova.

The GM fan is pricey.Does anyone know of a truck or other GM model which is similar.

[68 Chevy II]

The chevelle and Camaros are both clutch fans
So yes they are different.

[Igosplut]

Yep, that is a flex fan.

[L78steve]

Some original L78 fans will not have the W stamp.

[Mr.Nickey Nova]

You can always buy the correct repop fan that "The Parts Place" sells. For about $240.00 instead of $500.00 or more for a original, might be the right way to go.

[ZiggyL78]

Works for me.I checked for suction in front of the rad and not much there.Thanks to all who posted.

[WILMASBOYL78]

Works for me.I checked for suction in front of the rad and not much there.Thanks to all who posted.

** A dollar bill should stay against the radiator if the fan is drawing properly.

[ZiggyL78]

Will quarters work if you don't have a dollar bill;)

Thanks

[67BelAir427]

Will quarters work if you don't have a dollar bill;)

Thanks

They forget that us Canadians have not had a dollar bill in decades. A loonie won't work. Why not put a $10 dollar bill in your spokes and make all the noise you want Ken ?

[ZiggyL78]

No spoke wheels. :)