4.6L V8 - Replacing engine drive fan with electric

[TowingExplorer]

I was under the hood of my 2006 V8 Limited the other day and was astonished to see it has a crank driven fan!

Has anyone replaced this with an electric fan + thermostatic switch?

Might net some better throttle response and gas mileage.

I couldn't figure out the words to search to find this if it's been discussed before.

 

[jupiterak]

I'm not aware of any 06+ owners with an electric fan. I had Flexalite #270 on my F150 several years back. At first, they had problems with the controllers failing and issued replacements. Mine failed twice in a year. I later put the clutch fan back on. I saw no gains in mileage or seat of the pants meter on the 5.4L. The only difference was my ac was ALOT colder.

 

[Bluebully83]

I recently asked a Ford service mechanic the pros of installing an electric fan (flex-a-lite or derale) and he immediately thought it a waste of money. He told me you might get 1/10 of a mile mpg gain and little difference in hp gain. Plus, putting all of your confidence of cooling your engine in a dinky electric switch is a pretty big risk. So, he basically talked me out of this mod for the time being, although I would like a second opinion, since I've seen posts on the mustang forums that rave about electric fans.

 

[jupiterak]

Agreed. The cheapest setup will prolly run you about $200. That's with the highly raved two speed Crown Vic fan, wiring, and some type of variable speed controller. Plus those fans draw alot of current.

 

[TowingExplorer]

I recently asked a Ford service mechanic the pros of installing an electric fan (flex-a-lite or derale) and he immediately thought it a waste of money. He told me you might get 1/10 of a mile mpg gain and little difference in hp gain. Plus, putting all of your confidence of cooling your engine in a dinky electric switch is a pretty big risk. So, he basically talked me out of this mod for the time being, although I would like a second opinion, since I've seen posts on the mustang forums that rave about electric fans.

I wouldn't be expecting a large mpg gain. It is to help with the throttle response of the 4.6L V8.

Agreed. The cheapest setup will prolly run you about $200. That's with the highly raved two speed Crown Vic fan, wiring, and some type of variable speed controller. Plus those fans draw alot of current.

30 amp relay is probably more than enough, but see the fan instructions for details.

As far as one switch meaning life or death of the engine, there is still a gauge you can watch. If you were really nervous, install a second temp sensor at a slightly higher coolant reading for a warning light.

 

[mreed112]

Not sure about your 2006, but the engine driven fan on my 2010 has an electric clutch which I assume is only engaged when called for by coolant temperature.

Since the clutch is disengaged unless required for coolant temp, I would assume that the fuel economy and/or throttle response improvements would be minimal.

 

[TowingExplorer]

Not sure about your 2006, but the engine driven fan on my 2010 has an electric clutch which I assume is only engaged when called for by coolant temperature.

Since the clutch is disengaged unless required for coolant temp, I would assume that the fuel economy and/or throttle response improvements would be minimal.

I only looked at the fan once, it was after a drive on a 50mph road.

Does anyone know if the 2006 V8 has an electric clutch controlled fan as described by mreed112 above?

 

[mreed112]

Look under the hood. If you see a fairly large electrical cable going to the water pump / fan area, you have a electric/viscous fan clutch.