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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 02:21 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by 460
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Here's the only pic of the junkyard fan I picked up for $15. I got the relays, wiring harness/connector, and fuse with it also. The fuse is a 65 amp.

The fan fits almost perfectly on the radiator... the angle of the pic makes the fan look wider than it really is. I'll have mounted pics in a few days.





That looks like a pretty close fit, what kind of vehicle did it come out of? I may have to look for one.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 02:46 AM
  #17  
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It's from a '95 Mercury Villager. A Nissan Quest is the same a villager, and the relays have "Nissan" molded into them. I like that the wiring comes with a fuse and only 1 ring terminal to connect for the power; the factory wiring distributes the power to the 3 relays. Unfortunately, the relays may not work the way I want to wire it up if I use both speeds. I'll may have to get creative. I think 1993 to 1998 are all the same.

It's a 2 speed fan and looks like it should move a lot of air. I haven't tried it yet, and won't be able to for several months since my truck doesn't run yet. I figured I'd give it a shot for $15 though.

I should have it mounted in a few days, and I can post some more pics then.

.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 05:32 PM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by 2classics
Hey 79, what does that thing draw for amps?
I dont know, but it does draw a rather substantial amount of amps, my guess was around 30 amps at high speed. But I ensured I used a quality relay, ample gauge wire(10) and I had a 100 amp GM 1 wire on the truck....
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 05:59 PM
  #19  
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I guess it wouldn't save much on space, but how about a flex fan? Anyone have thoughts on them? I was considering on switching to one to save on engine drag.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 06:04 PM
  #20  
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Flex fans is the demon love spawn of satan, avoid them.

I am really interested in that Mercury Villager set-up. Fits the radiator fairly well. Our salvage yard charges $14 per fan, I was originally going to do a dual fan set-up, but if a single fan can be wired for 2 speeds, that might just be the ticket right there.

Josh
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 06:06 PM
  #21  
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[quote=Bullitt390;7108661]Flex fans is the demon love spawn of satan, avoid them.

Well said, Bullitt. Why's that?
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 06:50 PM
  #22  
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I installed a Derale 16'' Tornado electric fan on my 76 F-100 last year. Maximum fan CFM is about 2200 and does a good job of cooling. Amp draw on this model is 18.40 and it automatically runs if the temp goes a little beyond 180 degrees. An over-ride switch was also wired in so that I can run the fan from the cab should the temp sensor stops working. I don't have to use it much since cruising down the road keeps it cool enough. Only at long lights or traffic jams it runs and cools everything down fast.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 06:51 PM
  #23  
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They simply do not work.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 07:47 PM
  #24  
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[quote=murph77;7108680]
Originally Posted by Bullitt390
Flex fans is the demon love spawn of satan, avoid them.

Well said, Bullitt. Why's that?
They flatten out at higher rpms, thats why they are not the most favorite choice...You prolly wont save much hp at lower rpms anyways....while it would reduce drag at higher rpms, the engine is working harder, producing more heat... so at that point, whats the point of reducing the efficiency of the cooling system? it could lead to catastrophic results(overheating) unless you are moving fast enough to move enough air through the radiator(higher speeds-drag racing especially)....
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 08:04 PM
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Flex fans are also dangerous because the "wings" have been known to come off while the fan is spinning. My '79 came with one.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 08:13 PM
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I'll try to find the article, either car-craft or Hot Rod did some dyno testing of OEM fans, standard and clutch versus flex fans versus electric fans. The difference was substantial.

Josh
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 08:24 PM
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Found a scan of the article...

Cleveland Pix!: Car Craft Cooling Fan Dyno Test
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 08:27 PM
  #28  
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Most 1973-1979s came stock with factory flex fans.

As was said earlier, the higher the rpm, the less the fan works. This is ok if you are going 55 down the freeway.

But if you are climbing a hill winding the engine at 20 mph, it can kill your engine with heat quite quickly.

Fan Clutch system is worlds better than this, and is a relatively easy mod.

You replace the fan blade with a solid fan, remove the fan spacer, and hook the clutch to the waterpump directly. When the engine is cool, the fan clutch slips reducing the load on the engine, however when the engine is hotter, the clutch stops slipping and you get the full force of the fan. The hotter the engine, the less the fan clutch slips untill it is full on. You also do not have to modify your electical to make a fan clutch work like you do with electric.


Just my two cents....


Other cooling tips, get bigger radiators, and install fan shrouds. these are also great ways of increasing engine cooling efficency.

The standard cooling in these trucks, especially when equipped with 240s, and later 300s are very undercooled, and should be upgraded.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 09:12 PM
  #29  
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Sounds like I should have looked into things before I posted the question. All of the responses make the choice obvious. Thanks everyone.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 09:33 PM
  #30  
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Something I'm wondering about (I'm one of those ignorant guys), how does the clutch fan system operate? What makes it turn on and off, or does it even do that?

My limited mechanical knowledge makes me lean towards things that are less likely to fail, like my belt driven fan. For some reason, I thought flex and clutch fans operated similarly- they suck less air at high rpms. I understand how that can be bad news, just don't know how a clutch fan is better. (Keep in mind, I've already pleaded ignorance)
 
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