Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How Much CFM Does the Cummins Need? (Keepin' it cool)

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I still am looking to ditch that fan ... . That gawd awful power robbing fan... ... You know the one responsible for the very JET STREAM 30,000 feet up. I know that the cooling system is waaayy above adequate for the rigs we have and IN FACT many run fanless. I don't want to be fanless however I think a custom 5200 CFM kit I have my eye on juust may be the ticket ... ..... Anyone?

 

[Devildog]

JET STREAM 30,000 feet up.

It's called a Con-trail ( condensation trail ) If I'm hot rodding around my temps will climb, I'm also interested in alternate cooling

 

[Gizmo 007]

Here's a thought. On my old chevy with a 454, I removed the fan and bought a huge dual electric fan setup. I staged the fans so that one came on at 190* or with the a/c and the other came on at 205*. Combined with a 160* thermostat, the engine never got above 210 - 215* pulling hard. It's a little pricey, but it's cool (pun intended ). Just make sure your alternator is up to it. These things suck amperage like a vacuum.

 

[Spaceace]

another example

I run one of the solid winterfronts from Sept to April- Never had a deflection in the temp gauge the whole time.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Yeah I really really really wanna deep 6 that roaring child sucking mennace to power fan! I saw a permacool dual 18" fan setup capable of pulling 5200 Cfm and well you see ... .....

 

[thepitts]

flex-lite

Had a kit call the 290 universal that put out 5500 CFM

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Hmm 5500 cfm I would be hard pressed to see how 5500 couldn't keep the rig cool enough arround town?

 

[Rob Thomas]

Tim,



I run a twin fan set-up in mine, however its nowhere near 5500cfm's, it's much less. I'm not sure the exact flow, but it does the job just fine. I pulled a 35' TT though the hills of Kentucky in 95*+ heat with the A/C on, and had no problems, thats with DDIII's and a stock turbo also. IMO 5500cfm will be plenty.



Later, Rob

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Yeah baby Robs the man ... . *song* I'm getting my faaans Now and Youuu arent cause youre mamma said so Nah nana nah nah naaah na



That is great news so 5500 should suck in all the living creatures I want to Right?



JK.



Rob what size fans , What brand , What brackets , Measurements?

 

[Rob Thomas]

Tim,



My fans are Perma-cool's, they're 16" dia. each. They're a little thin, hence not as much CFM, but they were just for testing purposes ( I got them locally for a good price) , I will switch to the Flex-a-lite 5200 CFM next spring.



Mine are two individual fans, and mounted seperatly through the radiator (with the cheesy plastic fasteners) the Flex-a-Lite's are mounted together, and I will make a custom bracket to mount them to the truck, without the chessy plastic things.



Another thing I did, was NOT use a "probe" that goes into the upper radiator hose ( to cheesy), instead I found a thermal switch, and installed it into the head (1/2 pipe thread), so as the engine heats up, the fans come on, I like that much better than the damn probe, plus it looks more professional. Also, don't forget to wire it into the A/C, so when the A/C is on so are the fans. Good luck.



Later, Rob

 

[fest3er]

Rob, what did you do with the OEM shroud (on which the washer and rad overflow bottles mount)?

If I knew how to remove the shroud but keep these bottles mounted, I would install electric fans in a heartbeat! It really su... is discomfitting not having good A/C in town!

Fest3er

 

[thepitts]

Check this link

Here is the link to the 5500CFM fans http://www.flex-a-lite.com/auto/270_280.htm

 

[Rob Thomas]

Fest,



I still have the factory shroud in place, I just modifeid it a tad.



I first laid the radiator on the ground without the shroud, and then placed the two fans on the rad. into position. Then laid the shroud over the fans, and marked where the modification hacks needed to be, then with the proper tool (sawsall) I cut the shroud to fit over the fans, and reinstalled.



Have no fear, the shroud is still plenty strong to support the bottles. The shroud, like the rest of the truck, is built like a brick $*&@house. Hope this helps.



Later, Rob

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by Rob Thomas

I still have the factory shroud in place, I just modifeid it a tad. ...

Good to know it can be ... reshaped. Whilst off, did you notice how much of the radiator the shroud blocks? Would be nice to open up some of that area.....



Fest3er

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

#ad






Dual 15" blades move 5500 CFM!



Includes new Variable Speed Control

(60% to 100% depending on cooling required)



Glass reinforced nylon injection

molded shroud



Dyno tests showed a gain of 17HP & 20 Ft. Lb. torque at the wheels



Improves gas mileage



Quicker warm-up & cool-down



Mounting Surface Required 17" x 31 7/8" x 4 1/2"

Fan Diameter Dual 15"

Fan RPM @13. 5VDC Variable

Number of Blades/Fan Blade Angle 8/26°

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

Amp Draw 28

Mounting System Custom Adj. Brackets

Adj. Thermostat 180º-240º Yes

Air Conditioning Relay Yes

 

[GLASMITHS]

ELECTRIC FANS ON A 4 CORE RADIATOR??

From the flexalite site: We do not recommend electric fans as the primary cooling fan on a 4 core radiator---------



I know a lot are doing it and getting good results; however is it worth the expense?



ROB: I put those plastic things through the radiator one time on a Chebby school bus - they tore holes in the radiator Major bucks. Built me a frame from 1" angle iron. Good luck.

 

[Rob Thomas]

glasmiths,



As I said, it was/is just for testing purposes, I will make a custom mount for the final install.



Later, Rob

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Re: ELECTRIC FANS ON A 4 CORE RADIATOR??

Originally posted by GLASMITHS

ROB: I put those plastic things through the radiator one time on a Chebby school bus - they tore holes in the radiator

Yeah That happened to my old work truck (I really got laaaazzy on the install) I don't see any major hassles building a frame type mount for theese things.

 

[GLASMITHS]

Would you need to run the fans down the hwy for the a/c? If a a/c switch makes the fans run anytime the a/c is on, that would be 95% of the time in LA. Wouldn't that kinda shorten their life?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

A while ago I dyno tested stock fan vs. no fan, wondering what the Horton might gain me. 4 hp, yep the stocker turned out to be a real power robbing menace to a 600 hp Cummins

Hope this helps you with your decision.