Flex-A-Lite 262 Fans Installed

[231jasonS]

Got to put in my 2 cents.

First off $540 for 7hp is crazy. But then you have the added mpg.

How long would it take to make the investment gaining 3mpg ?

Spent $6000 on my diesel, got almost 200k on it, another 100k and I'll be saving on my fuel. breakeven is about 300k miles.

Sorry Reb, got to ask how reliable can a 1200hp truck be.

1200 HP? last couple of dyno events i went to i only saw one person over 1000HP and he was from NO-cal... ... . ?

 

[231jasonS]

Ive seen this fan on two 2 gen trucks and they are very nice. very nice welds, first rate electrical connections and seemed to fit like an OEM part. If they made one for my 06 i would have one on now.

 

[fest3er]

Got to put in my 2 cents.

First off $540 for 7hp is crazy. But then you have the added mpg.

How long would it take to make the investment gaining 3mpg ?

Spent $6000 on my diesel, got almost 200k on it, another 100k and I'll be saving on my fuel. breakeven is about 300k miles.

Sorry Reb, got to ask how reliable can a 1200hp truck be.

My tuppence:



If I install the 262, it won't be for added HP, nor for increased fuel economy. It will be to ensure that I have adequate air flow through the A/C condensor, trans cooler and radiator at low engine speeds. At highway speeds, there is usually enough air flowing through without the fan. I want the A/C to work at any and all speeds; it has almost never worked at low vehicle and engine speeds.



I didn't buy the diesel for fuel economy. I bought it for longevity. And it's still doing OK at 235K miles. Other than some front end, brake and suspension components and a couple other minor things, the truck has needed very little maintenance. In fact, the third oil pressure sensor, known for early failure, has now failed, but only after 6 years and 140K miles. The Optima red top batteries are now 5. 5 years old and going strong after 130K miles. The commercial intake heater relays I fabbed are still running great after 5. 5 years and 130K miles. I replaced the fan clutch the last time I replaced the oil pressure sensor; it works well enough, but is showing signs of age.



I certainly didn't buy the Dodge/Cummins for the fuel economy. Nor did I buy it as an investment - investments are supposed to appreciate in value, whilst nearly all automotive vehicles only depreciate in value. I bought it because I wanted reliable, long-lived transportation. The money-savings has come from not having major repairs to fix once or twice a year. I think the Flex-a-Lite 262 would be a fine addition to the few carefully-chosen BOMBs I've installed on my truck, because Flex-a-Lite's reputation is similar to that of Optima, Stancor and the few other manufacturers I've used: solid.



I haven't forgotten that our trucks are Better Off Modified, Baby!



N

 

[Hammer]

N. .

I am in total agreement with you that those who do not wish to spend the money shouldn't. I am not one to step in and say how stupid a purchase another owner makes is as its not my truck,nor my wallet. I bought them myself because of Flex-A-Lites quality in past places I have used them. I have run them on drag cars,pro-street rides and my dirt late model with not one problem. The fact they look good and as much as I show my truck that also had something also to do with it but I did the test to see what I could actually gain on my truck. I am also one who doesn't worry about fuel milage I am about longevity. I have over 160,000 miles on it and you know your self how well its taken care of. Each product I add that removes another Ma Mopar mousetrap means the old girl will last that much longer.



hdtrukn...

I am glad you think that way,that leave one set for someone who really wants them. Personally if I added all the purchases for my truck up since I bought it way back in late 98 I probably make myself sick,LOL. There are somethings I do not have even on the truck anymore and had been sold at losses. As I said above,my wallet,my truck and I didn't care what was made with them for power. I did have other who knew I got them ask to place a post up about them and what do I get,those like you,go figure.



231jasonS. .

To those who have the thrid gens and the patience to wait you will see some soon enough..... Andy

 

[Reb.B]

Flex a lite has been making fans for a long time on hotrods and i can't count how many, (over 30) carsa i've seen when they are wrenching at the car show trying to get there fan on. the flex a lite fans are less reliable than the stock fan. They may do a better job at lower RPM, but they will not last as long and there will be more hick ups. We all have to live with electrical parts, but the less we have and in the least important places the better. Oh, and i guess there's not many here that would know how reliable a 1200 HP truck is Jason. You got a ways to go.

 

[PRout]

If they truly give 3 mpg difference, that in itself catches my eye. At todays fuel prices, it probably wouldnt take that long for it to pay for itself (assuming 3mpg - but im almost always skeptical about peoples mpg claims as some have noticed).

3mpg - great!
Better cooling on hot days at idle - great.

I too question the reliability of the system a bit. I mean alot of people have made the same argument about going to the "mechanical" lift pump vs the best electric pumps available also. With the mechanical fan, you pretty much know its going to be working when needed, and its a simple setup.

Not putting the electric fans down here just encouraging more input on the subject. They ARE interesting. .

 

[Joe G.]

I'm not getting involved with either side of the debate, but would like to ask a question.



Has this electric fan set up been tested on a Cummins powered Dodge towing something like a 10K trailer up a long grade like White Bird or Donner in the summer?

 

[BTowler]

To be honest, I have had three fan clutches go out, but have never lost an electric fan. Almost all cars are equiped with electric fans from the factory now, and I have known quite a few people with Flex-a-lite fans that have never had any problems.

 

[231jasonS]

Got to put in my 2 cents.

First off $540 for 7hp is crazy. But then you have the added mpg.

How long would it take to make the investment gaining 3mpg ?

Spent $6000 on my diesel, got almost 200k on it, another 100k and I'll be saving on my fuel. breakeven is about 300k miles.

Sorry Reb, got to ask how reliable can a 1200hp truck be.

Reb, i dont question the reliablity of a 1200 HP truck just that I havent seen one in a while.



And i dont have very far to go because i have no desire to go there. I would rather spend my money and time with my kids and family. I do enjoy "Bombing" and a faster than stock truck is great, but what the hell are you going to do with a 1200 HP dyno truck?



Big HP on the dyno doesnt get you to far on the track, pulling or dragging as you know. I know your trucks make great power and you are making big HP with the CR trucks, very impressive. So why spend so much time bashing other peoples stuff?

 

[Reb.B]

Not bashing what so ever Jason. Please don't see it as that. There are some products out there, that are better than others, and that is fine and dandy and if somebody calls me i tell them my opinion. But on the other hand, when i feal that a product out there is going to hurt a truck, i voice my opinion. Not because I have any grudge on flex a lite, but i think that its less reliable, my thought, take it for what its worth, i really don't care what you do, but i just think that these things should be questioned before spending money to put them on. I've seen motors (gasers) fail from bad electric fans and i'd hate to see a handful of dodge diesel do the same thing. They do draw a lot of power and for the most part they don't pull enough air, (AS A WHOLE) not saying anything about these here. Maybe they are God's gift to dodge diesels, but these things need to be considered.

 

[Hammer]

They may do a better job at lower RPM, but they will not last as long and there will be more hick ups.

But on the other hand, when i feal that a product out there is going to hurt a truck, i voice my opinion.

Reb. .

I am curious to what you think of the junk electric fans that are on your family's other vehicles?. I know many owners who have gotten many miles out of electric fan setups with zero hickups. There are not that many automobiles made out there anymore which use the clutch fan style cooling setup as most manufacturers know how much power they rob during full lockup. Does this mean that when you buy a vehicle with a electric setup you convert it so you fell safe,just curious?.



The second statement has to be one of the most uneducated examples of product bashing to date I have seen. You have zero facts to back up your comments,other than it will hurt your truck, and to those who are watching this thread as outside observers I wonder what it would do for your shops business. of the products you sell and use on or out of your shop hurt trucks. One of those would be nitrous oxide and another the heavy fueling of those 12v's you build. So which to you is a greater evil,a set of electric fans or those heaps of giggle gas your truck gulps at dyno shows?.



Show me the hard evidence that these fans are a bad product for our trucks and I will say that in a open forum,but,until you have hard facts that they are it would be nice if you leave your non-factual information out of the post.



Joe G...

Flex-A-Lite says not to use them in application for towing over 18,000 pounds. I do not tow anything at all and only haul myself around so I wouldn't know. I hope you get your answer before the nay sayers ruin this thread..... Andy

 

[DCreed]

thanks for the posts! Ive been looking at these fans but just cant put the $500 down now. did the swap on an old furd i had, worked great, esp. in winter warm ups! good for power/mileage too! also more room around accessories. keep us updated from time to time!

 

[hotram03]

Well heres my . 02c, I've got 3 old Dodge hot rods all running Perma Cool electric fans and they do a fine job, I've been to Pigeon Forge,TN during the spring and fall Rod Runs, both in VERY hot weather in HEAVY traffic and never had a problem, as far as the truck goes I dunno, but 3 mpg pick-up in fuel economy at todays prices is well worth looking into.

 

[RMarkey]

I think 3mpg and a $500 install would take you roughly 15,000 mi to pay off. I'm willing to bet most people spending $500 on fans for their truck will probably drive another 15,000 mi and see a return on their investment. $500 up front does seem a little steep, but if it can do what it claims and has no problems, I'm in.

 

[Shadrach]

I put a smaler version on my 84 crew ( still has the V8 for now). My rad is smaller so I was limited in choices. It warmes up faster and around town the fans rarely kicked in. However I have to take them off and use the stock fan and clutch for towing as the eceltrics don't move enough air. Other than that I love them. Shadrach

 

[drag racer]

Thanks for that post. I have been looking for a way to make my a/c work here in Phoenix for a long time. When the truck is idling, the stock fan/clutch does not pull enough air for the a/c to work... ...

I'll second that - nice install job! I have been contemplating getting these too, but am concerned that when I am towing 10k in the AZ heat with A/C on if these will be enough to not overheat. Question: can you put the controller somewhere else. like off to the side somewhere???

 

[MCummings]

I also learned during this deal that doing the belt change with a Fluidampr is a PIA as you have to loosen the factory tach sending unit to take the belt on and off and I was glad it was changed while the motor was empty up top,LOL.

. Andy

Only on the 12V. The 24V does not have the tach pickup there. Also, if you don't get the tach pickup sensor adjusted correctly you will have no O. D. Shift, T. C. C. lockup, a/c, tachometer, or any alternator operation. However, the truck will still run fine, and shift 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear.

Merrick

 

[Hammer]

Question: can you put the controller somewhere else. like off to the side somewhere???

dragracer...

Yes...

You could move the controller anywhere you want it,all you will need to do is lengthen the wires and it can be place where you want it. On the towing deal in AZ and knowing how stinkin hot it gets out there,I would not want to speculate on how they would work. Recently I went a towed a buddies Durango which went BOOM on them coming home from vacation in the Adirondacks. Picked it up out in Oneonta,NY on a open trailer and hauled her home for him. Temps that day were in the high 80's with heavy humidity and coming from there down the truck never got hot and never seen any temp above 190. I do realize that its not as hot out here as out there but with 6000 lbs and the trailer weight it was the first test of them I had. I was very pleased to say the least. Thanks for the comments on the install.



RMarkey...

I could have cared less if I got anything back in the long or short run with them. I originally added them for a different look for show season this year and actually stumbled into how well they work and am very satisfied with them.



Merrick...

I know,should have mentioned that when I posted that. Add my Corsa system and it made two sensors which had to be moved,LOL... ... Andy

 

[Benson]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say there's no way you would get a 3 mpg increase with this fan. Maybe 3 mpg's better when the stock fan is fully engaged but how often is that? I bet a 1 mpg increase would be much closer.

Still, I think it's a decent mod.

 

[RMarkey]

shiny?

dragracer...

RMarkey...

I could have cared less if I got anything back in the long or short run with them. I originally added them for a different look for show season this year and actually stumbled into how well they work and am very satisfied with them.

Show season? The manual hubs just look better than the stock hub, or something else?