replacing mechanical fan with electric
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 37
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replacing mechanical fan with electric
If I replaced my stock fan with an electric one, what kind of gains (hp) can I expect? Has anyone done this? If you have, is there anything I'd need to look out for, or any tips? Would this be something y'all would recommend? I have an 02 3.0L auto.
Thanks
Chuck
Thanks
Chuck
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 420
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From: Harrisburg USA
replacing mechanical fan with electric
I am seriously considering replacing my belt-driven fan also with an electric. Mine is a rather small plastic fan. I don't think the horsepower gain is going to be all that great. But, every little bit helps. My main goal is to have ice cold air rushing through the radiator & engine compartment ONLY WHEN NECESSARY TO COOL IT DOWN, rather than all the time. In zero degree weather, the engine will warm up a lot quicker, and remain at a good operating temp better during the first half hour of driving. This will mean better fuel efficiency, and better heat from the heater on bitter cold days. How big is your fan? If it is a monster, I would say that your performance gain would be noticable. Howver, I don't yet have a bunch of experience in this area. My personal opinion is, if done CORRECTLY, you can't go wrong to go with an electric. It can only help, can't hurt.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
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From: Central KY
replacing mechanical fan with electric
If done properly, electric fans can be nice. They save power and fuel. They can even be wired to a switch inside the truck so you can manually turn them on to cool the engine if you want to.
The only thing I would suggest is to make sure it is properly installed. I remember a Ford recall in the '90s where the factory electric fans on the Mustangs were shorting out and catching fire, resulting in the car burning up. If you go electric, you have to make sure your connections, fuses, relays, ect. are all done properly.
If you do it, goodluck. And be sure to let us know how it turns out!
The only thing I would suggest is to make sure it is properly installed. I remember a Ford recall in the '90s where the factory electric fans on the Mustangs were shorting out and catching fire, resulting in the car burning up. If you go electric, you have to make sure your connections, fuses, relays, ect. are all done properly.
If you do it, goodluck. And be sure to let us know how it turns out!
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 37
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replacing mechanical fan with electric
Currently I've got the standard belt driven fan. I'd probably replace it with a 16" fan. Due to the high sumer temps here (Texas), I need to pull as much air as possible through the radiator. I've installed new electric fans before, but always on cars with electrics as originals. I've always used Hayes from Pep Boys. Had excellent results (no failures in app. 100,000 miles). My only real concern with doing this is if it's going to be as easy as unbolting the existing fan and shroud and slapping the new one in or if ther's more to this than I think.
Chuck
Chuck
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
replacing mechanical fan with electric
Getting the add on electric fan mounted properly is the trick. Use solid mounts. Do not use the little plastic bands that hang the fan from your radiator core, that can cause serious damage to the core. Also make sure the fan does not vibrate against the core. A vibrating part can quickly cut thru the radiator tubes.
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