Newmarket, NH fire truck

[Imnangell]

Hi everyone,
I have pulled out Newmarket's fire truck to get it ready for the Memorial Day Parade. Well, I noticed that the fan blade has a crack that is about 1/4 inch long following the water pump shaft.

Can anyone give me an idea as to how much longer it will last?
Thanks,
Matt

[1crosscut]

In my humble opinion. IT IS DONE, KAPUT, SHOT, TOAST...
Seriously that is a time bomb just about to go off. Them blades can break and come off and do some serious if not fatal damage to us humans. Not to mention all the ripping and tearing it could do you your truck. You have plenty of time to get a new fan ordered and installed prior to the parade. Sure would hate to have it let loose a blade during the parade and strike a spectator.
Dave

[Reds34]

X2. Replace it.

Red

[Stakebed]

yea once thier cracked thier junk and a ticking time bomb that will shoot thru the hood, radiator, etc. I would NOT want that going off near a crowd.

Im with the others - do not start the truck and immediately remove it and order a new one!

[Imnangell]

Thanks everyone. I am going to remove it ASAP.
Matt

[Hayslip]

Fans are cheap compared to buying a new radiator or hood or both. Probably TAMS model A in Massachusetts is your nearest vendor and nice to deal with. The thrill of a broken off blade flying around under the hood is something you don't want to experience as I have denting the hood in two places lopping off the upper hose etc. Best, Ed

[Imnangell]

Thanks Hayslip.

I have already ordered a new fan blade and sidelined the truck until it is fixed.

I figure that the radiator will need to be removed. This will give me a chance to replace cracked hoses and flush the cooling system.

[Hayslip]

With a two blade fan the water pump/fan can be removed without removing the radiator. Not so, with a four blade fan. Red hoses are authentic and available and color coordinated with fire trucks. Best, Ed

[Reds34]

I'm pretty sure that you need to remove the radiator to remove the fan.

Red

[1crosscut]

You can get by if you pull the bottom bolts, disconnect the upper hose and tip it forward. Technically not actually removing it but getting pretty close though.
Dave

[Imnangell]

I was planning on using a gear puller, plumber's torch, and a light hammer strike to the gear puller.

Since I am novice and I was thinking of pulling the water pump, doesn't it just unbolt easily?

[Reds34]

It depends on how in depth you want to go. You could pull the water pump if you want. You'll need a gasket and while your in there you may want to check the bushings and bearings.

Red

[Imnangell]

Well, I am done and I am surprised how easy it was. I found a pin on the ground after I pulled off the apron under the radiator. Does any know what this is for?

[Imnangell]

My first impression of taking off this bit was how are my hands going to fit in there.

[Imnangell]

Who knew Henry Ford had zip ties.