Posted: Aug 17 2006 at 9:46pm | IP Logged

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Gentlemen:

Here are a few fan ‘Pros & Cons’

... The problem with replacing the stock fan system with an electric fan is it doesn't have the horse power available that the stock fan does. The electric fan depends not only on its electric motor but also POWER from the engine to run the alternator. When the alternator quits a vehicle can continue to drive a few miles on battery only. But adding the load of an electric fan will greatly shorten the range.

... There are pros and cons. I’ve seen electric fan motors that have burned out on the trail and the guy had a nice wait a couple of days for the special order replacement. A stock fan depends upon a belt so carry a spare belt. It is nice that a switch can be added to turn off the electric fans for deep water crossings.

... The stock fans suck because they really need the heat sensitive clutch in good working order to save power and fuel.

The flex fans are dangerous. The flexing of the fan work-hardens the area that is flexing. As the material hardens it becomes brittle and is subject to early failure. Many flex fan blades have broken and cut through the radiator core. I know a mechanic that was injured by a flex fan blade breaking while working under the hood of a car. I had a flex fan break off and ruined radiator core.

Have a good one   and  CUL.. Don S..