Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Engine fender vents. Do they work?
| Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301032] |
Mon, 23 May 2016 11:39  |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
Karma: 4
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I've had a set of the fender vents for about 15 years but have never installed them. Mostly because I really don't want to cut the fender.
Being in the Houston area the summertime outside air temps can get very hot. My cooling system is 100% good to go and new. I haven't had any cooling issues yet, but I just want to be prepared for the worst.
My question is,
Do these vents actually work? What percentage of additional cooling do they provide? Enough additional cooling to justify cutting the fender?
Thanks, Scott.
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301033 is a reply to message #301032] |
Mon, 23 May 2016 12:08  |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I also have a set that I never installed. I walked by a coach one time that was idling and was surprised at the amount of heat that came out of them.
I personally have never needed them.
I do run with the fender liners removed.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301034 is a reply to message #301032] |
Mon, 23 May 2016 12:10 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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My coach came to me with fender vents installed. You can see them in this picture:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/mechanical/p34779-dodge-front-wheels.html
I don't know how to quantify the amount of extra cooling they provide, but I do know that a lot of hot air comes out of them when I stop after a long trip or climb. I think the main advantage to having them is that they relieve some of the heat from the top of the engine compartment, reducing the temps around the intake manifold and carburetor. Theoretically, this should reduce the chances of vapor lock.
If you have been running un-vented fenders for 15 + years, I would think they are un-necessary. In my case they were there when I bought the coach and I think they help, however marginally, with cooling. At least I don't see how they could hurt (I'll probably be corrected on that point.  )
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301035 is a reply to message #301034] |
Mon, 23 May 2016 12:28 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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My first GMC had the vents plus a temperature controlled axial fan positioned to pull hot air from the engine compartment. While refueling, the fan came on and the exhausted air blew on my legs. So hot, I first thought that the coach had caught fire. Watching the OEM temp gauge, you could see the needle drop when the fan kicked in.
I changed from an unknown temperature control to a simple on and off switch. Worth the effort.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301037 is a reply to message #301032] |
Mon, 23 May 2016 13:02 |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
Karma: 4
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Tom
I like the idea of the fans for the vents. If you were going down the road at 65 mph and hit the fan switch, assuming that the engine fan clutch is disengaged, how much lower would the engine temp gauge needle drop?
A guy could go crazy and all of a sudden have 8 various fans in the engine compartment. Oil cooler fans, trans cooler fans, fan cooling fans, etc...
Scott
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
[Updated on: Mon, 23 May 2016 14:14] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301038 is a reply to message #301032] |
Mon, 23 May 2016 14:14 |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
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Also,
I pulled up western marine's website and they have a lot of nice stainless steel vents.
Is there any advantage of long and narrow vs shorter and wide?
And please remember we are talking about fender vents.......
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301039 is a reply to message #301032] |
Mon, 23 May 2016 14:29 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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I'll chime in and agree with those who are pleased / amazed at the amount of hot air flowing out of the vents on my '78 Royale (installed before I bought the coach). I know that I haven't had problems with vapor lock, though my coach does have a Holley carb, and an accessory fuel pump. The only time I ever experienced vapor lock was a 115 degree day (yes, I live in AZ) without the accessory fuel pump on. Before I coasted to a stop, I hit the accessory fuel pump switch and fired the coach up, and it ran like a champ. So while it's impossible to say that the vents make a lot of difference, I can say that I'm pretty much a worst case scenario in terms of heat, and my coach seems to be fairly immune from vapor lock. YMMV
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301040 is a reply to message #301032] |
Mon, 23 May 2016 15:10 |
captjack
Messages: 271
Registered: February 2010
Location: Sebastopol, California
Karma: 1
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My coach is a vapor lock queen. During the process of implementing improvements, I added the vents. As others have stated, a lot of heat comes out when the coach is parked. I can't say that it did anything to reduce vapor lock however. The ultimate solution ended up being in-tank fuel pumps and a fuel return from the carb.
Jack Christensen - K6ROW,
'76 Glenbrook/Clasco - "The Silver Bullet",
Sebastopol, CA
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301042 is a reply to message #301032] |
Mon, 23 May 2016 15:36 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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My 23' would vapor lock if you slowed for a freeway off ramp. Summertime, road speed only or it would quit. After recoring the radiator, adding a pair of Mr Gasket pumps and a new fan cluitch, it's perfectly happy. No side vents yet.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301043 is a reply to message #301039] |
Mon, 23 May 2016 15:55 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
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I can tell you that the way the interior of the engine is designed, that it
can use as much venting at the top as possible when running and when you
shut down.
If appearance was not an issue, I would install slightly larger.
On Mon, May 23, 2016 at 12:29 PM, Mark wrote:
> I'll chime in and agree with those who are pleased / amazed at the amount
> of hot air flowing out of the vents on my '78 Royale (installed before I
> bought the coach). I know that I haven't had problems with vapor lock,
> though my coach does have a Holley carb, and an accessory fuel pump. The
> only
> time I ever experienced vapor lock was a 115 degree day (yes, I live in
> AZ) without the accessory fuel pump on. Before I coasted to a stop, I hit
> the
> accessory fuel pump switch and fired the coach up, and it ran like a
> champ. So while it's impossible to say that the vents make a lot of
> difference,
> I can say that I'm pretty much a worst case scenario in terms of heat, and
> my coach seems to be fairly immune from vapor lock. YMMV
> --
> Mark Hickey
> Mesa, AZ
> 1978 Royale Center Kitchen
>
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301046 is a reply to message #301042] |
Mon, 23 May 2016 16:20 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
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No inner fender liners, I have headers and never put them back on.
So the engine heat blows right out the wheelwell :D
>
> My 23' would vapor lock if you slowed for a freeway off ramp. Summertime, road speed only or it would quit. After recoring the radiator, adding a
> pair of Mr Gasket pumps and a new fan cluitch, it's perfectly happy. No side vents yet.
>
> --johnny
>
> --
> '76 23' transmode Norris upfit, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
>
> "Sometimes I wonder what tomorrow's gonna bring when I think about my dirty life and times" --Warren Zevon
>
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Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301062 is a reply to message #301032] |
Tue, 24 May 2016 14:34 |
jricke
Messages: 29
Registered: June 2007
Location: Arden Hills, MN
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Scott,
This is certainly a subjective observation on my part but here goes:
Without vents kids and dog would not sit on the engine hatch (kids said it was too hot, dog did not comment). After vents were installed, all found the hatch an acceptable perch.
I did some work that required removal of inner fender liners and never got around to reinstalling. Even cooler now, in my opinion (though stainless vents are now for 'show' only).
Joe Ricke - KE0CPM
Arden Hills, MN
'77 Transmode
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301080 is a reply to message #301032] |
Tue, 24 May 2016 21:14 |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
Karma: 4
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Maybe before I actually cut the fenders for the vents, I'll give the rig a test drive weekend without the wheel well liners. But the thing with that is I don't want to get excess dirt in the engine area because of not having the liners. Pros and cons no matter what route I go!
And thanks again for all the ideas. Keep them coming for vent sizes. I'm thinking as big as I can get in above the fender well. Scott
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301083 is a reply to message #301032] |
Tue, 24 May 2016 22:27 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
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There is limited space to cut before you get intrusion. I am going to look into venting the fender liners. More stealth. A lot of cars had flapper valved type vents in the front well liners. Mens mall items. Worst case the GM door pillar vents a couple each side.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301084 is a reply to message #301080] |
Tue, 24 May 2016 22:21 |
Glover, Brian K.
Messages: 87
Registered: October 2015
Location: Griffin Georgia
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After reading all the responses and there was a lot ?! You would think loose the fenders ?!
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 24, 2016, at 10:15 PM, Scott Nutter wrote:
>
> Maybe before I actually cut the fenders for the vents, I'll give the rig a test drive weekend without the wheel well liners. But the thing with that
> is I don't want to get excess dirt in the engine area because of not having the liners. Pros and cons no matter what route I go!
> And thanks again for all the ideas. Keep them coming for vent sizes. I'm thinking as big as I can get in above the fender well. Scott
> --
> Scott Nutter
> 1978 455 Royale Center Kitchen, Quad bags.
> Houston, Texas
>
> _______________________________________________
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Brian G.
Griffin Ga.
1978 Eleganza II
TZE168V101637
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301094 is a reply to message #301032] |
Wed, 25 May 2016 08:56 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
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Then road splash get up into the body seams etc. I don't like the idea of cold water splash on hot exh manifold when you hit a highway downpour.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Engine fender vents. Do they work? [message #301107 is a reply to message #301080] |
Wed, 25 May 2016 16:30 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
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I removed my fender liners when doing some work, and I never put them back. So easy to get at everything quickly when on the road.
As far as road spray, Water getting places it should not... I just do not drive mine enough for it to be that much of a problem. Maybe a concern for someone that puts over 10,000 miles on in a year, but for my weekend trips 1-4 hours away, I have not had any problem with excessive dirt. I have driven during rain on gravel/dirt roads, and my front batteries and wheel wells got dirty, but with the wheel liners out, it was just a quick washout job when I washed the rest of the coach to clean it up.
just what I have found, and I may put the liners back in at some point, but will probably be after I replace my engine, exhaust, and other parts, and can hope I do not have to work on anything on the engine for a while.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
[Updated on: Wed, 25 May 2016 16:31] Report message to a moderator |
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