Fan Air Deflector (baffle) install

dlagerstrom · 07-13-2007, 11:57 AM

I have read all the posts on the install of the baffle but have a different question.

I could not remember if there were separate nuts for the baffle or not, that's why I was researching.

In looking at this thing on the bench, I have all 6 nuts holding on the alternator and the baffle just pushed on the studs. There appears to be enough stud sticking out to allow for an additional set of nylock nuts just to hold on the baffle. This would create a 5mm or so gap between the fan housing and the baffle. Would this be bad?

I am thinking this would be nice as you can't torque the nuts down too tight over the baffle's plastic housing so as not to crack it.

I can't believe it would affect the air flow too much. Would there be issues fitting it in the shroud? That's all I can think of as I am not sure how tight the 'fins' are to the shroud.

If not, why do people talk about 3 nuts for the baffle? It sure looks like my '82 would use 5 of the 6 nuts to hold it on.

Thanks for any and all comments.

Mitch Leland · Mitch Leland's Garage

I can't address your question directly, but FYI there are thinner elastic stop nuts that are for shear applications if you run out of stud length. Certainly they would be good enough for attachments in a non-structural situation...

Sounds like it's a fair question, I'm sure you could use a vinyl molding to fill the gap if you're on to something.

Wil Ferch · 12:32 PM

Maybe this can help...refer to the section when you come upon the air deflector, alternate nuts ( circumference) hold on the air deflector, IIRC?-->

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_volt_reg_replace/911_volt_reg_replace.htm

esp...para 8 and 11

- Wil

304065 · 07-13-2007, 12:40 PM

If you install it with a gap it will hit the fiberglass shroud.

There should be a single nut that's not covered by the fiberglass air deflector. Use that to hold the alt to the housing. Then thread the wires and the ground strap through the deflector, attach to the correct terminals, then tighten the other five nuts, gently so you don't crack the fiberglass. I use DIN 934 non-locking nuts with steel wave washers to hold the preload, I find DIN 985 nylocks to require too much torque to get started and torque down, you are there all day.

dlagerstrom · 07-13-2007, 12:52 PM

Mitch, thanks for the info on the nuts. I didn't know.

Thanks John, I was worried it would hit the shroud.

Wil, in the article it mentions 3 nuts that hold on the deflector. I had read that and it is part of what had me confused. Is there an older defelctor that used only 3 nuts or should I only use 3 nuts? It doesn't look like it will sit flush unless you use 5 nuts to hold it on.

I do appreciate the free use of everyones wisdom!

Thanks again.

Wil Ferch · 06:53 PM

The article I wrote was for the alternator for the 3.2's..but I come to find out that much of it works for earlier or later cars too. In my case ( 85 Carrera) there were 6 nuts and every-other one held the shroud in-place...so 3.

- Wil