Electric fan vs. Mechanical fan

[Hyper26414]

I am thinking about converting the mechanical fan in my '98 xlt 5.0 to an electric fan. I recently purchased an electric fan out of a 3.8l taurus from a local junkyard. I need to find a thermal switch for the fan and it has two speeds so my first question is where can I find such a switch, and my second question is is this worth it??? I have already read that the fan I got is the one to get but is it worth my efforts to install it as far as gas mileage and horsepower gains??????


Any input on this would be great thanks in advance.

 

[aldive]

Thie simple answer to both of your questions is a resounding YES.

Good luck ...

 

[Hyper26414]

Any info on where to get a thermal switch for a two speed fan?

 

[kert0307]

As far as mechanical vs. electrical fan, it really depends on what the engine is used for. Take for instance two extremes, a farm tractor and a car that sees mostly highway use. Since the car really won't need the fan except when it is stopped, it will see gains by using an electric fan. Then take the tractor, it will usually be cruising in a field going 5 mph. In this case, it needs much more air blowing through the radiator to keep it cool, so a mechanical fan is best. This is why on this site you will get mixed responses on electric fans, because most of the people who have used them in off-road applications have had their engines over heat when off-roading, while at the same time, basically everyone else has had excellent results with them.

So, if your ex. sees mostly paved road time, an electric fan will be a great choice.

As for the temp switch, most people just use a singe speed switch and have it either off, or on high.

 

[aldive]

As far as mechanical vs. electrical fan, it really depends on what the engine is used for. Take for instance two extremes, a farm tractor and a car that sees mostly highway use. Since the car really won't need the fan except when it is stopped, it will see gains by using an electric fan. Then take the tractor, it will usually be cruising in a field going 5 mph. In this case, it needs much more air blowing through the radiator to keep it cool, so a mechanical fan is best. This is why on this site you will get mixed responses on electric fans, because most of the people who have used them in off-road applications have had their engines over heat when off-roading, while at the same time, basically everyone else has had excellent results with them.
.

I have heard that before, several times in fact. However, I still do not understand why an e fan that flows more air than a motor driven fan in not good for all applications.

Our offroad Jeep has a e fan and we have never had any problems with overheating.

 

[FordTony]

It may have to do with the actuall size of the fan.........an electric fan out of a taurus may not be big enough.......my old jeep cherokee used to overheat under stress if its electric fan wasnt working....and it had both

 

[Charlie]

I had been thinking about doing an electric fan myself.

 

[The_Driller]

Which is the best fan to get for the 4.0 OHV as far as electric? Anyone do a write up on putting one in?

 

[aldive]

Which is the best fan to get for the 4.0 OHV as far as electric? Anyone do a write up on putting one in?

Not for an OHV but for the SOHC.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75371&highlight=electric+fan

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140251&highlight=electric+fan

 

[The_Driller]

does it not work on the OHV?

 

[aldive]

does it not work on the OHV?

Sure, it will work fine.

 

[The_Driller]

i have been reading about the crown vic ones will one from a 96 CV fit on my 96 OHV?

 

[Hyper26414]

I have read on stangenet that a desirable electric fan for high power 5.0 mustangs is the taurus fans. I have heard that on low speed the move 2500 cfm and high speed it moves 4500 cfm more than enough to keep cool. So now I just need to fin a good two speed temperature switch.

 

[chriswells78]

I've heard of heep guys doing this in cherokees.

 

[FordTony]

i have been reading about the crown vic ones will one from a 96 CV fit on my 96 OHV?

I could be wrong but I thought that all Crown vics 97 and older had a mech fan.......they went to electric cooling fans with the change in bodystyle in 1998........but I bet a fan out of a 98+ vic would be fine

 

[chriswells78]

google it, I just did and found about 30 write ups on different installs people have done in different vehicles with Two speed taurus fans.


http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=73400

http://www.mysporttrac.com/MySportTrac/projects/EFanInstall.pdf

 

[Hyper26414]

Thanks Chris sometimes I overlook the obvious.