Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Converting my clutch fan to electric fan, any thoughts.

[grimesja]

I have the opportunity to get a new electric fan made for a 2003 for a good price. Will the electric fan work on my 2001, if so how do I install the wiring? I have seen fan kits for sale for the 2nd gens but never considered making the change. Is it worth the effort? Thanks

 

[JohnBoy5]

what fan kit hav you seen? maybe post a link... is it an engine driven fan?

 

[dresslered]

There was a real nice electric clutch fan available (aftermarket) when our '01's were new, but for the life of me I can't think of the name (John McItyre has one). For me, the OEM clutch fan is still working like at champ at 140k-miles. I am reminded of this every time I near the top of the summit and it sounds like a helecopter taking off. I also monitor engine oil temp along with my coolant temps and never have seen either high.

 

[dresslered]

"Horton" that's it! Do a search.

 

[Bob Cochran]

I don't think Horton makes fans for our trucks any longer. From all that I have read there is no electric fan that can pull the CFM of the stock fan so most as not converting to electric.

SOOOOO has somebody got one now?

 

[WestTN]

I'm wonderinr why you want to change? The mechanical fan is the most reliable and also the simplest. It is also the cheapist and is free. It is already there.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

Flex-A-Lite Fans

Dual 15" S-blades move 5500 CFM!

Includes new Variable Speed Control (60% to 100% depending on cooling required)

Dyno tests show a gain of 27 additional horsepower

Improved Torque

Quicker Cooling Response

Brushed Aluminum Shroud



Electric fans are not recommended for primary diesel engine cooling when the combined gross vehicle weight (CGVW) exceeds 18,000 pounds (truck, trailer and load)



Specifications:



Mounting Surface Required: 37 1/4" x 20 1/4" x 4 1/2"

Fan Assembly Diameter: 2 x 15”

Fan RPM @13. 5VDC: 1400 - 2100

Number of Blades/Fan Blade Angle: 2 x 8 blades

Airflow-Cu. Ft. /Min. at 0º Static Pressure: 3300 - 5500

Amp Draw: 28 - 36

Mounting System: Custom Brackets

Adj. Thermostat 160º-240º: Yes

Air Conditioning Relay: Yes



just saw this. never used one. so no comment

 

[JMcCoy]

I'm wonderinr why you want to change? The mechanical fan is the most reliable and also the simplest. It is also the cheapist and is free. It is already there.

Exactly what I was thinking. The cooling system is one of the only things on our trucks you never hear complaints about. Nothing is more reliable than the factory belt driven fan. IMO, there are better ways to make horsepower. If it is a comp only truck, fine. If that were the case, I would install an electric water pump too, but never in a HD diesel application. Save your $$$. Good luck

 

[grimesja]

I was just looking at the alleged extra hp gain and several of the newer trucks have electric fans. But after looking at the shroud, I would have to make mounts for the coolant container and the windshield washer container.

 

[WestTN]

Those 'horsepower gains' are only there during unusual conditions, such as running on a dyno. And no electric fan can move as much air for cooling under adverse conditions as the stock fan driven by a powerful diesel engine.

 

[drag racer]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...sion/184940-flex-lite-262-fans-installed.html

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...998/217543-question-flex-lite-fan-owners.html

 

[Bob Cochran]

I would be in trouble!!!

"Electric fans are not recommended for primary diesel engine cooling when the combined gross vehicle weight (CGVW) exceeds 18,000 pounds (truck, trailer and load)"

 

[JohnBoy5]

seems as if the Flex-A-Lite Fans are a bad idea for my truck. i wish they would flow more air. if they did i would put them on and put a timer on them to keep them running for a few min after i shut the truck down if it was at tempature...

 

[drag racer]

I'm at ~19,500 GVWR when I pull, in Arizona heat, BUT no serious hills yet - just usually around town and Phoenix to Tucson, and my temp. needle is lower than with the stock fan and clutch.

Hopefully someone can provide feedback for higher weight and more hills...

 

[RustyJC]

I tried the dual Flex-a-Lite fan system they then recommended on my 1996 3500 dually V-10/47RE. It drew 100 amps - enough to discharge the battery if I left the truck sitting at idle with the lights on and the AC running. 100 amps x 12 volts = 1200 watts divided by 746 watts per horsepower = 1. 6 horsepower consumed by the fans.



My experience was that 1. 6 horsepower could NOT move enough air to cool the V-10 when towing the 13,500 lb GVWR Jayco Designer 3610RLTS 5th wheel we had at the time either in stop-and-go traffic or on long grades in Texas summertime conditions. When I pulled off the electric fans and installed a new thermal fan clutch on the stock mechanical fan, the truck cooled just fine.



The electrics might work fine if one is not towing heavy under severe conditions, but my experience is that their 18,000 lb maximum GCW warning should be heeded.



Rusty

 

[monkeyman]

I have had the flex-a-lite kit on for years now and would never go back! Some hints first, Put alternator bolt in reverse or with fans on it will not come out. I also have a switch in cab that over rides complete system to turn fans on if control fails. I have had three so far! But the kit is great and has been perfect!
Rick