Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 98 12V Fan Clutch VS Dual Electric Fans

[JTHUSKINS]

I have replaced the fan clutch with the OEM replacement from Mopar. The original one stopped engaging fully around 110K. Now the new replacement has stopped engaging fully at 122K. The replacement only lasted 12K. I recently purchased but haven't installed a Flex-a-lite unit from XDP. This is a dual electric unit with an aluminum shroud. Looking for advice on the best way to solve this problem. Input from anyone that has installed and tested the electric fans etc.

 

[RustyJC]

I ran the dual Flex-a-Lite fans way back when on my 1996 3500 V-10/47RE. Based on my experience, don't bother with them if you tow heavy - they can't move enough air to cool the engine at full load. They are fine for mall cruising, except for the fact that I couldn't leave the truck at idle since they would draw the battery down if the lights and A/C were running within 30 minutes. Think of it this way - if the fans draw, let's say, 100 amps (which, IIRC, is what mine did), then that's about 1.6 hp (1200 watts draw divided by 746 watts/hp) driving the fans. If the engine fan takes 10 hp to drive at full engagement and higher RPMs, even if it is not as efficient as the Flex-a-Lite blades, it's still going to move a LOT more air than the electric fans.

Bottom line - it all depends how you're going to use the truck.

Rusty

 

[JTHUSKINS]

Good to know. I only use this truck to pull a 7000# camper. The only time the clutch fan fails me is when I am pulling the 6 mile 12% grade from the foothills of NC back to the High Country where I live. Last long trip out in Sept. we towed for 1400 miles and the fan failed to fully engage when we hit the mountain which allowed the engine temp. to climb to around 230. There was no indication during the rest of the trip that the fan wasn't doing it's job.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Your fan clutch may indeed be defective, but your radiator may be partially plugged, either inside or outside, making the problem worse.

 

[JTHUSKINS]

Had the radiator flow tested when the first clutch failed and the flow was good. Spent hours cleaning the fins. Inspected the fins again this time to find that we picked up a lot of sand and love bugs. I did a quick cleaning with compressed air before our last trip in Oct. and the temp only climbed to around 210 but I still didn't hear the fan fully engage. I found other post related to the electric fan conversions and I didn't see many post giving them high ratings for towing. I just need a good long lasting reliable fan clutch that will last more than 12k.

 

[Bob4x4]

The Horton was the way to go.unfortunatly the fan blade is no longer available

 

[MLee]

Is there a way that the electric fans set-up from a third gen truck might work? I have wondered this ever since they came out with this set-up. Just an idea.

 

[HHhuntitall]

In my experience, the electric fans are insufficient. Especially when towing much of anything in temperatures above approximately 75*F.... It all depends on how you use your truck. I have an auxiliary fan installed on one of my trucks to correctly operate the AC when idling with my children inside, but it is inadequate for towing. It works fine when temperatures are in the 100*F range and the truck is "mall cruising" or running empty.... But when towing, it is grossly inadequate. The twin fans tested were grossly inadequate, as well.

As for overall performance, the stock radiator is inadequate if you have a liberal amount of fueling added to your truck. Several of my trucks run hot on grades, despite new radiators. larger exhaust, intake, etc, and proper maintenance. The only solution is an aftermarket, custom radiator, or lift off the throttle.... :{

 

[JTHUSKINS]

I guess I will just replace the clutch again and save the time and trouble of installing the Flex-a-lite unit. I have had the new fans more than 30 days so I can't return them to XDP so I'll have to find a buyer for them before they collect too much dust in the shop.

 

[RWherley]

For your bug problem get so window screen and put on the back side of your grill or over the front of the radiator that will keep most of the junk out of the fins.

 

[hsmith]

A properly operating fan clutch is the way to go. I am now at 260k and have only replaced one, the original one. BTW, it also is aftermarket unit. Also, I do tow heavy with no heating issues.

 

[Missouri Mule]

My oringinal fan clutch lasted up to 250,000 to 260,000( it froze up). Was replaced with aftermarket, it was replaced at over 290,000 this summer with another aftermarket. I'm going to buy one from Dodge for a back up even though it cost more(or is it a Cummins part ?).

 

[JTHUSKINS]

Going to make a screen in the spring to stop the fin clogging. Have had good intensions to do it but never have.

 

[JTHUSKINS]

The replacement I used was from Dodge and I think it was a Mopar part #. I had it written down at one time but have misplaced it. I suppose that NAPA has the aftermarket clutch to fit . My truck is parked under shelter from Nov. till April because it is a camper puller only and I don't drive it in the winter salt so I wonder if the long storage times contribute to the premature clutch failures?

 

[GAmes]

I went through several parts store fan clutches when my original died. None of them lasted very long and none of them would fully engage while I was towing and needed it. I finally bit the bullet and paid the $$$ for an OEM from Dodge (best price was from mopar4less). It has been on the truck for over 5 1/2 years with over 300k driving miles. It still works perfect. I think you just got unlucky with yours. If it is less than 12 months old Chrysler will warranty it.

 

[budnate]

$144.90 is what I paid mopar4less last year for one. took awhile to get to, came out of the warehouse back east.

 

[JTHUSKINS]

I'm on the East Coast so maybe mine will get here quick.