Exploding fan.

Wow. That is amazing. I'm glad nobody was hurt.

This does bring up a question though...how do you use a timing light, adjust the distributor AND stay out of the way of the fan?

 

...just don't redline it while timing 'er.

 

roger that, and ensure your fan is solid to begin with. Mine is the original that came with my '52's L-head. (well, as far as I know it is anyway) No obvious cracks anywhere, but could be.....

 

Glad you escaped unhurt. How are your shorts?

 

I've always been freaked out about working under the hood with a running engine for fear of accidentally hitting the fan. It only adds to the creepiness when you're working with an engine with a vacuum leak that likes to rev on its own.

I'll definitely be even more careful now - glad you weren't hurt and thanks for the post

 

Oh yeah, I should go look for those in the front yard....

 

Wow!!! What're the odds of that happening? Glad nobody was hurt.

 

Brannon, I’m really glad you weren’t hurt and thanks for posting this thread it may one day keep someone from being seriously hurt.

 

looks like a close call
AMC V8 7 blade fans are known for this when used with fan clutch
check for cracks where the blades are riveted to the arm
rust streaks will appear first
I recall 2 Jeeps in our shop that happened to
not a bad idea to check your fan whenever you have it off
same rules apply to batteries don't lean over them or be near when starting or jump starting/charging
I have seen those explode for no known reason

 

Been toying with the idea of using an electric fan. assume it would be safer...

 

I'm glad no one was injured.

 

X16 on glad you werent hurt, X2 on "HOLY ICECREAM CONES, BATMAN!", x2 on undies check (i know i would have had to check/change mine...)

very impressive how that blade went through the hood like that just as clean as could be. i couldnt imagine what it would have been like if someone were actually in the way either before or after the hood.
how far did the blade go after the hood?

 

After the hood, it only flew about 10 feet in the air. What the pics don't show is that where the blade went through the hood, the lips of that part are raised up about an inch.

 

Holy crap!

Do they make engine drive fans with plastic blades?

 

I agree, mbe you can post this in a general safety area of the forum for all to see and be made a sticky. this kind of experience although hopefully rare is a good lesson. Glad you werent hurt damage coulda been much worse. gives me chills thinking about it as Ive tipped the fan once or twice in my lifetime when timing engines, makes you think.

 

Flex fans are really prone to that (I know yours wasnt)... thats why i removed mine recently and went electric, that and the edges were so sharp I would almost cut myself and my dad always seemed to, then he would yell at me for it. VERY glad you were not hurt, as 90% of people do not even think about the fan when they are under the hood.