dust storm baffle

June 03, 2004, 12:08:30 am

Here's a money saving tip for anyone wanting to try the baffle approach to helping the dust storm problem:

I ordered the "special" baffle from CCI at the Tucson rally. It arrived a few weeks after, together with the hydraulic thermostat used on the older models. I had a opportunity to put it on today.
First of all, the price charged was outrageous! The so called baffle is nothing more than a sheet of aluminum 8" wide by 50" long with some 5/16" holes drilled at various places.

I was charged over $75.00 including freight for a sheet of metal that could be duplicated for less than half the amount!
To install, you simply use some (not included) self-tapping sheet metal screws and attach it to the bottom of the existing shroud with enough metal protruding under the shroud to cover the fan blades.
CCI engineers were at there best when designing the original shroud because it does not cover the entire fan width. At least an inch of the blades protrude toward the engine compartment and blow directly down onto the ground. The shroud should deflect the air sideways and hopefully cut down on the dust.

As to replacing the hydraulic thermostat, it was a beast! It is mounted at the top of the radiator and so designed that you must remove the upper radiator hose to change it.

No wonder shops charge at least $25.00 per hour more to work on motorhomes than regular trucks. They are not built with future repairs in mind.

In a few weeks, we will see if this modification will help.
One last thing. Not to be argumentative, but the fan blades will not turn unless the fluid is flowing through the hydraulic motor. The reason you see fan blades turning on conventional truck engines is that they are mounted on the front of the engine and driven by a shaft through a temperature activated fan clutch. There seems to be enough drag to keep the fan blades turning at a lower speed on some engines. I had a couple of Freightliners with Cummins and Detroit engines. The Cummins powered fan would remain perfectly still until operating temperature was reached.

Larry
Intrigue
10762

Re: dust storm baffle

Reply #1 – June 04, 2004, 10:09:32 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 10100

Larry:

That 'extra' inch of blade also loves to throw camp ground driveway gravel into the radiator with great force (punching holes in the radiator).

I'm considered putting an 'L' shapped baffel to cut down on the dust and the rocks. I remember things were pretty tight in that area (as I put exopy on the holes in the radiator %%$#%^).
The short leg of the L would be to the front of the radiator in effort to deflect the stones tossed up by the rear tires. Not sure I can fit that in.

Keep us informed on the results or your dust problem!

Thanks,
Jim

2002 Intrigue 11446

PS: I would say that anyone that gets a chance should check for rocks and gravel inside the fan shroud !!!

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