So, after we got the Flying Valiant running, we discovered that the seven blade fan (stock 70s Slant Six type) just nicks the tip of the power steering pump shaft. Here's all the pertinent info:

1964 Valiant
225 Slant six
Stock power steering pulley location on front of balancer
Early Saginaw style pump with bolt on (keyed shaft) pulley

I want to keep the Saginaw because I like that you can remove the pump without having to unbolt the water pump if you have to take it out, which on my car setup means having to pull the radiator to get to anything.

I need about 1/8" to 1/4" to clear everything, so here's my questions:
1. Does the later press-on pulley pump have a shorter shaft?
2. It looks like I could grind that much out of the front of the pump without compromising it, but how dumb an idea is that?
3. Would it be equally dumb to try and notch the fan on each blade so it would clear the pump? I'm thinking of maybe grinding 1/2" off the trailing corner of the fan so it would clear.

Thanks!

_________________
Chuck and the Flying Valiant

Do not grind or otherwise alter the fan! You're guaranteed to throw it off balance and possibly affect its structural integrity.

I don't know that I'd base my power steering pump selection on "I want to be able to remove the pump without unbolting the water pump". Power steering pumps do not frequently call for removal.

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I have been known to bend the tips of fan blades to clear the PS p/p nose.

Use a small adjustable spanner.....bend them all the same.

Sounds like just the right time for an electric fan.

Or can you shim the fan to move it forward to get enough clearance?

_________________
"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

There are several reasons I prefer the Saginaw over the Federal or TRW, but point made. I didn't really want this to turn into a Saginaw vs. Federal post.

I think adjusting the fan is probably the last resort since with a 7 blade it would be almost impossible to get the designed balance of the fan right anyway. Just throwing out ideas. I could conceivably shim the fan forward. I have about 3/4" in front of the fan for the radiator (triple core 19"), so I don't have that much, but that's probably my best option. I kind of have to pull the radiator again anyway to shore up a few things, so I might as well.

_________________
Chuck and the Flying Valiant

spacer on water pump shaft to move fan forward.

_________________
Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes