electric fan/ clutch fan?
#4
It will also be quieter under certain conditions since the fan isn't always running.
But that is also something to keep in mind, currently your truck has a fan that is constantly drawing air across the Rad, Power Steering Cooler, and Transmission Cooler. If you do an e-fan people typically just hook it up to turn on/off based on Engine Coolant temperature, but if you are in a situation where Engine Coolant Temp is normal, but Power Steering or Transmission temperatures are rising, the fan won't turn on to cool them down. Typically this isn't an issue, but there are some situations it could be.
But that is also something to keep in mind, currently your truck has a fan that is constantly drawing air across the Rad, Power Steering Cooler, and Transmission Cooler. If you do an e-fan people typically just hook it up to turn on/off based on Engine Coolant temperature, but if you are in a situation where Engine Coolant Temp is normal, but Power Steering or Transmission temperatures are rising, the fan won't turn on to cool them down. Typically this isn't an issue, but there are some situations it could be.
#5
the E-fans are a huge hassle IMO, you have a lot of stuff to add, and a hole lot more things to go wrong, i dont understand where people think they are gaining HP by going to electric? a properly operating clutch should not be obsorbing HP, the fan for the most part is "free wheeling" pulling little air/HP but as temp rises it engauges/dissengauges to keep everything happy, ( the same thing an e-fan will do) but heres the other part, e-fans draw a large amount of amps, putting the load on the altinator and once again on the drive belt, I've seen quite a few go with e-fans and no real world hp/milage gains if at all, and definatly not enough to justify the cost
#6
Join Date: Jul 2007
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the E-fans are a huge hassle IMO, you have a lot of stuff to add, and a hole lot more things to go wrong, i dont understand where people think they are gaining HP by going to electric? a properly operating clutch should not be obsorbing HP, the fan for the most part is "free wheeling" pulling little air/HP but as temp rises it engauges/dissengauges to keep everything happy, ( the same thing an e-fan will do) but heres the other part, e-fans draw a large amount of amps, putting the load on the altinator and once again on the drive belt, I've seen quite a few go with e-fans and no real world hp/milage gains if at all, and definatly not enough to justify the cost
Besides, I've been carrying the original clutch fan in my toolbox for the NINE YEARS I've been running my e-fan so I can just spin it back on if the e-fan fails. My Flex-a-Lite fan draws about 16 amps at startup and 11 amps after. I'd hardly call that a major amp draw. My two 130 watt off-road lights draw about triple that.
MY personal reason for going to the e-fan was because when I'm off-road, especially hog hunting, I'm averaging about 2-3 mph, often in 90* plus heat and the engine rpms just weren't enough to turn the clutch fan to keep the engine cool. My efan pulls 3300 cfm of cooling air whether I'm standing still or cruising down the highway.
Another advantage is I have installed an on/off switch so if I'm in deep mud or crossing water, I can kill the fan temporarily so as not to suck mud and crud up into the radiator fins - although I will admit I've never ventured deep enough to actually use it.
You will get about 2-3 mpg in town at low rpms when a clutch fan is most parasitic. You do however lose this advantage on the interstate because once turning enough rpms a clutch fan isn't very parasitic at all.
Even a top of the line fan is under $300 and pick'n pull fans can be had for under $25. I'd hardly call either a major expense.
It's not a mod for everyone. If you commute most of the time on the open road or tow heavily, you won't see much advantage to an efan.
Last edited by HammerZ71; 07-10-2014 at 11:03 PM.
#7
I have had an e-fan running about 3 years now with no problems what so ever. IMO it is the best mod I have I have done to date. There was not a lot of stuff to add. It just involved the e-fan, Temp sensor, some wiring and about a couple of hours in the afternoon to do. I have gotten 1-2mpg better. It's not much but in time you will recoup your loss. I say go for it! you won't regret your decision
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#8
#9
1st thing you'll notice is seat of the pants power increase.
Minimal but there.
I ran a scrap yard Aerostar twin Fan on my 79 Ramcharger for several years.
Never had an issue.
Did notice free power.
Did notice the fan only came on when I was parked or going very slow on a hot day. Like in heavy traffic or trail rides.
79 Ramcharger 3/4t, 6" lift, 36" Swampers, towing a camper and loaded for a long weekend in the bush and going 70mph to the bush and get he fan never kicked on.
So why spin a mechanical fan?
Seems like such a waste of fuel.
Minimal but there.
I ran a scrap yard Aerostar twin Fan on my 79 Ramcharger for several years.
Never had an issue.
Did notice free power.
Did notice the fan only came on when I was parked or going very slow on a hot day. Like in heavy traffic or trail rides.
79 Ramcharger 3/4t, 6" lift, 36" Swampers, towing a camper and loaded for a long weekend in the bush and going 70mph to the bush and get he fan never kicked on.
So why spin a mechanical fan?
Seems like such a waste of fuel.
#10