electric fans?
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 533
Likes: 7
From: Texas
electric fans?
Hello i'm wanting to get a electric fan set up. but what is a good one to get theres a bunch out there... I have a 79 f150 302.
do they really help with Hp and mpg? how hard is it to put in?
Thanks for any help you can give me
do they really help with Hp and mpg? how hard is it to put in?
Thanks for any help you can give me
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 42,594
Likes: 3,125
From: Fraziers Bottom, WV
Flex-a-Lite 295 is the one I used on my F-250, 300 l6. I like it very well and did notice a "power increase" over the fixed fan. I can't tell you any thing about MPG, I have never checked! Other brands may be as good or better but that is the brand I choose after researching the options.
On an installation note: The fan should have its own shroud and be as close to the rad. as possible and a seal/boot should be used. If the thermocouple pushes through the radiator at the water inlet the fan should be mounted as low as possible. The sensor should be place as close to the inlet and no more then 1 inch below the inlet. Do not use a colder thermostat; the engine is designed to operate at a given temperature. Make sure the coolant level is above the sensor or the fan may not kick on.
On an installation note: The fan should have its own shroud and be as close to the rad. as possible and a seal/boot should be used. If the thermocouple pushes through the radiator at the water inlet the fan should be mounted as low as possible. The sensor should be place as close to the inlet and no more then 1 inch below the inlet. Do not use a colder thermostat; the engine is designed to operate at a given temperature. Make sure the coolant level is above the sensor or the fan may not kick on.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Falls, IA
I second that Flex-A-Lite 295. I just installed one on my 79 "V8" 351M 4x4. I had to customize two of the generic mounting brackets and drill 4 holes in the radiator frame support, but it fits snug up to the radiator with about an inch of excess space above the unit. The best part is the adjustable thermostat to control the temp.
I swapped out my 195 thermostat for a 180 degree unit because I'm running aussie high compression and it makes for more heat. Wanna run these a bit cooler than factory to reduce detonation. When idling, I have it set to run the fan at about 195 degrees. When the truck is in motion, it drops down to the 180 degree range. If it seems to run hot next summer, I'll just crank down the fan thermostat to run closer to the 180.
If anyone wants pictures of my install, just holler.
John
I swapped out my 195 thermostat for a 180 degree unit because I'm running aussie high compression and it makes for more heat. Wanna run these a bit cooler than factory to reduce detonation. When idling, I have it set to run the fan at about 195 degrees. When the truck is in motion, it drops down to the 180 degree range. If it seems to run hot next summer, I'll just crank down the fan thermostat to run closer to the 180.
If anyone wants pictures of my install, just holler.
John
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 506
Likes: 0
From: Edwards Air Force Base
SOrry to reopen this but was curious if you all beefed up your alternator to handle the added load.
I was looking at upgrading to a 94 mustang 130 amp alternator but they are $175 vs our cheaper ones and of course I would have to modify the wiring harness etc.
If I can get by with the stock set up, I would rush out and do this fan modification but have been holding off until I can upgrade the charging system so far.
Thanks in advance,
Lee
I was looking at upgrading to a 94 mustang 130 amp alternator but they are $175 vs our cheaper ones and of course I would have to modify the wiring harness etc.
If I can get by with the stock set up, I would rush out and do this fan modification but have been holding off until I can upgrade the charging system so far.
Thanks in advance,
Lee
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