How do I tell? I want to buy a fan that bolts to the water pump pulley. It's a SBC 350 from a '72 Nova. There are counterclockwise and clockwise fans. I don't know how to tell. Help is appreciated.

 

Your first clue would be in the rotation of your water pump start your car and find out.

Next either look in the description, or if you are viewing the fan in person. Looking at the front of the motor if the fan is spinning clockwise the blades should be on a downward slope from engine forward. If it spins counterclockwise the blades should slope upward.

Or spin it to see which way it pushes.

 

You want a fan that spins clockwise, pulling thru the rad.
I don't recall fan blade orietation, but you should be able to get a fan from a u-pull-it type of jy, or get a new 1 from your local parts store, Jegs, Summit, etc, or talk to a local mechanic // machine shop.

There are 2 types--
clutch & fixed.

Fixed fan is always turning, clutch fan either works by temperature or rpm, & engages when needed. I forget which makes it operate.

( edit )

 

I can't start it because the engine is out of the car. It's on an engine stand. It's an OEM long water pump.

 

if its a v-belt setup it is clockwise rotation-most pre-88
chevy v-8 are all clockwise rotation.
If you find a v8 firebird shroud,it is meant for a 17"fan
thirdgen '82-85 camaro v-8 shrouds us a 18.5" fan-
not sure if the camaro shroud will clear the hood on a
firebird.

 

I'm running 1/2 serp, 1/2 V belt. Would that affect anything? I assume it wouldn't. Thanks for the help!

 

Chevy v8's are not all clockwise. unless am reading your post wrong.

V belt = clockwise
Serpentine system = counterclockwise

V belt systems the grove on the belt is on the pulley, serpentine system the smooth part on the belt is on the pulley.

 

you missed the"most pre-88"part-AFAIK,the only pre
-88 chevy v-8 with CCW rotation water pump is '84 up
"C4"corvettes.The mid-85 thru '87 partial v-belt setup
is clockwise rotation

 

lol just clarifying even more. I gotcha. Thank you much for the info.

 

now i get it....

sometimes when you post
like this the information
could be confusing..... :P