Flex-a-Lite fan
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 29
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From: Kabul, Afghanistan
Flex-a-Lite fan
What are your thoughts?
I was thinking almost 30 more HP, allowing the engine to come up to temp faster for better/smoother running.
How much air does it move compared to the stock fan?
I was thinking almost 30 more HP, allowing the engine to come up to temp faster for better/smoother running.
How much air does it move compared to the stock fan?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 5
From: Slatington, PA
The general consensus is that an electric fan will not move the air that a stock engine driven one can. Electric is ok for light towing at most, but any heavier and it won't keep the engine cool. If you don't tow, there should be no reason why it wont work for you.
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 29
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From: Kabul, Afghanistan
Sorry about that
This one Flex-a-lite 278 - Flex-a-lite Direct Fit Electric Fans - Overview - SummitRacing.com
This one Flex-a-lite 278 - Flex-a-lite Direct Fit Electric Fans - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 796
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From: North Idaho
I had one on my Suburban with a 6.5 diesel, and it didn't work like the ads say it should. When towing my 31' camp trailer it was marginal at keeping the engine cool. At full speed it would pull 29 amps, which put a big load on the alternator. Overall I saw no fuel economy gains after running it for 2 years.
The biggest drawback was it is wired to come on any time the AC is on, even the defrost, so in the winter the fan was running almost all the time.
On mine the electric controller went out and it was $100 for a new one, so I just put the original fan back on.
I think they might work on a gas engine and help with HP and fuel economy, but on the diesel they can't keep up with the heat produced.
The biggest drawback was it is wired to come on any time the AC is on, even the defrost, so in the winter the fan was running almost all the time.
On mine the electric controller went out and it was $100 for a new one, so I just put the original fan back on.
I think they might work on a gas engine and help with HP and fuel economy, but on the diesel they can't keep up with the heat produced.
New User
Joined: Apr 2010
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Some math
I have some math to help with the evaluation of hp savings with an electric fan.
The Flex-a-lite 278 fan you're looking at pulls 28-36 amps with their variable speed controller, according to how hot the engine is running. Taking the worst case scenario...
If: amps (A)= 36 and volts (V)= 13.8 (operating voltage of a 12-volt auto system) then A X V = 496.8 watts (W)
496.8 watts X .00134 = 0.67 horsepower
Plus, the fan isn't always on, and often when it is on, it's pulling 28 amps, not 36.
Sorry that pbr man didn't have a good experience, but a lot of other people say they feel a power difference and that they do see an increase in mpg.
I hope this information helps in your decision!
The Flex-a-lite 278 fan you're looking at pulls 28-36 amps with their variable speed controller, according to how hot the engine is running. Taking the worst case scenario...
If: amps (A)= 36 and volts (V)= 13.8 (operating voltage of a 12-volt auto system) then A X V = 496.8 watts (W)
496.8 watts X .00134 = 0.67 horsepower
Plus, the fan isn't always on, and often when it is on, it's pulling 28 amps, not 36.
Sorry that pbr man didn't have a good experience, but a lot of other people say they feel a power difference and that they do see an increase in mpg.
I hope this information helps in your decision!
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Kabul, Afghanistan
Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.
OffRoad250 ~ Very good way to put the numbers down on paper, it certainly does make a difference in my buying decision.
Tires maybe soon and up-pipes so the fan may have to wait now for a month?
OffRoad250 ~ Very good way to put the numbers down on paper, it certainly does make a difference in my buying decision.
Tires maybe soon and up-pipes so the fan may have to wait now for a month?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,502
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From: Bend Oregon
the only question I have has anyone really every measured the HP draw of the factory fan?
I have seen the 30HP number thrown out a few times and while I know the fan is huge that seams a little excessive to me.
I used to be a fire fighter and we used ventilation fans(smoke ejectors) that moved way more air (volume and velocity) and ran off 5hp honda motors.
just wondering
I have seen the 30HP number thrown out a few times and while I know the fan is huge that seams a little excessive to me.
I used to be a fire fighter and we used ventilation fans(smoke ejectors) that moved way more air (volume and velocity) and ran off 5hp honda motors.
just wondering
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 5
From: Slatington, PA
The fan will always be spinning since there is always some drag from the clutch. Its a fluid clutch which never completely disengages. As the air coming over it warms up, the clutch slips less. I'm not sure if it ever completely locks up 100%, but any of the guys that tow often will tell you that when it kicks in, you will hear it. I believe they only last around 100k though (can't recall where I read that though) and as they wear out, the fan will slip less and run more.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 2
From: Bend Oregon
that is interesting, I am curious if anyone else has heard this? the 100K thing I mean.