Questions About Electric Fans
 

What's the big advantage of having a electric fan. The previous owner of my 89GT installed one it has been a headache for me keeps going out. In the process of re-wiring it or taking it out all together. Need some feedback should I keep it or install the more reliable stock fan :confused:

HP gain over stock fan! Extends water pump life and increases gas mileage - less drag on engine. Allows greater control of fan operation; e.g. long idles, etc.

We installed a flex-a-lite BlackMagic fan that's working out well. I would stay with the electric fan instead of going back to the stock fan/clutch assembly.

I tried several electric fans on my '66. Actually, I first installed double fans, both 16" pusher and puller. The problem I had was reliability with the after markmet fans failing way too soon.

The most I got was 6 months of use form any one fan, I finally put in a primary "flex" mechanical fan and an auxillary pusher electric fan that I actuate manually when needed (with a life time warranty from O'Reilly) mounted in front of the radiator.

I probably replaced 4-5 electric fans from various sources (some in warranty and some not) before I settled on this set up.

Rev

Rev have you tried the black magic fan? i had mine about a yr, has been real reliable, But just last week, the spade connector came loose after a couple hard 4500 rpm launches, but i just had to crimp it back on, no other problems.

I've had zero problems with my setup, cools great too. Check out http://www.geocities.com/smithmonte for more info on the mark VIII fan and 3G alternator. I highly recommend using a coolant fan switch with the Bosch 75amp relay.. More info on 3g..http://fordmuscle.com/archives/2001/...e/index2.shtml

Electric fans are not necessary till you start making some serious power, when your at full throttle going down the track, you could reach out a grab the fan and it would stop, there is very little drag on the motor until the clutch in the fan engages.

put the stocker on there and forget the headache.

Understand what you're saying about electric fans and not needed on the track. I would guess - the great majority of
stang owners are weekend warriors and drive their cars on
the roads in all kinds of conditions.

When the fan clutch kicks in - there is indeed a drag on the motor. I say stay with the electric fan - what do you have to lose - a little re-wiring work? Make sure all your wires and connections are good with solder and don't rely on the provided "wimp crimps" sometimes called ez connectors or crimp connectors.

It's obvious there are two distinct trains of thought here, but just to reply to what you say "what do you have to lose" is if you have electrical problems, you got no fan. my way you do.

I understand what you're saying, but if you want to look at it - what happens if the cheap factory spring-loaded fan clutch fails isn't your fan just spinning in the wind?

The factory clutch fan is not spring loaded, it is thermostatically controlled, like i said earlier, when making a pass, and the car is cool, as it should be, the fan is spinning free, with little or no drag.