fans
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
In most cases, what you save in HP loss with the clutched unit you draw in amperage from the electrical system. Its a toss up. Some may argue this but unlike many, I won't trust the cooling of the engine to some spindly little electric fan that may or may not flow as much air as the OEM clutched unit. To each his/her own but I don't put much credence in the supposed benefits.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 1
I did it for A/C cooling at idle. They do out preform the stock unit at idle. I have twin fans, so if one fails, the other can get me home. it is also nice because it opens up the engine compartment. I also believe it makes your waterpump last longer without the stress on the shaft. Cant tell a power differnce, if thats what your thinking.
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 20
From: Caracas, Venezuela
Personally, i like the electric fans a lot, but reliability can be an issue, my fan clutch lasted 18 years without any issues until i replaced it this year (i have to say it killed my water pump too, but no biggie there). I don't think an electric fan will last that long being exposed to the elements.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 1
I dont think electric fans will last that long either. But I have to say you were lucky. Ive replaced alot of fanclutches. Some only lasted two years. I've had friends that pulled an electric fan out of a ten year old junkyard car and put it on thier truck. One thing about the e-fan is when it quits, you know it. The sometimes its hard to dignose a bad fan clutch.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
I agree that clutched fans are probably the most frequently overlooked and difficult to diagnose when they begin to fail simply because the amount of air flow from them is relative and not something that most folks pay much attention to. A good fan clutch though should not allow the fan to spin more than one full revolution if spun by hand. This is the "rule of thumb" I use and it has yet to fail me. I have also never had a clutched fan take out a water pump using this method. But then I watch my temperature gauge like a hawk and anything slightly elevated gets my attention.
On a rather ridiculous side note, there is a "test" that I've heard more than a few folks discuss that they call the "idle chat" method. But you have to be from a part of the world where it will work. Basic interpretation: If your truck is idling on a chat (gravel) road you should get a decent dust cloud from under the front of the truck if the fan clutch is working right. Personally I find this "test" to be completely subjective and have never figured out how you are supposed to measure the amount of dust being stirred up by the fan from two feet off the ground.
On a rather ridiculous side note, there is a "test" that I've heard more than a few folks discuss that they call the "idle chat" method. But you have to be from a part of the world where it will work. Basic interpretation: If your truck is idling on a chat (gravel) road you should get a decent dust cloud from under the front of the truck if the fan clutch is working right. Personally I find this "test" to be completely subjective and have never figured out how you are supposed to measure the amount of dust being stirred up by the fan from two feet off the ground.
