Yep. When the shaft bushing wears enough, the antifreeze will weep past the bushing then down and out. Otherwise the antifreeze would migrate out front behind the fan. You know what happens when IT "hits the fan".
Was the air filter saturated with fuel or starting fluid to burn like that?
An old timer always told me if I see flame, crank it again to suck it back into the combustion chamber, where it belongs. Lol
My buddy in PA has an original stock Shaker base plate and cover off a 70 Cuda.
I am told these originals were made in Canada by Fram.
Not a reproduction. Very rare, original paint, for 4 bbl.
He would sell for $1000.