What is gained with adding Electric fans?

[sick97psd1]

What is gained with adding Electric fans? I am not clear, does it add any hp, and if so approximatly how much?

[STurbo90]

This is one of those topics that usually don't end with a clear conclusion.

It will be one of the times where you probably just need to read all the threads and make your decision based on "your trucks particular" usage.

http://forums.thedieselstop.com/foru...te_id/1#import

[Mark Kovalsky]

What's added is usually a bunch of heat to the engine and transmission when working the truck. Electric fans can't move as much air as the engine driven fan. If you only use your truck like a car they should work fine and free up some horsepower.

[tjbeggs]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Kovalsky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's added is usually a bunch of heat to the engine and transmission when working the truck. Electric fans can't move as much air as the engine driven fan. If you only use your truck like a car they should work fine and free up some horsepower. </div></div>

Ok I am considering Electric fans too. Actually complete removed my cooling fan yesterday to try that out since if finally cooled down here. But I hear people say what you just said all the time (I've said it as well). Yet most of them including me have never run electric fans and towed with them. Has anyone put electric fans on then had heat issues? If so what temps did you see at what load levels.

One thought I had on my way home yesterday was when I do my fans (if I do them) I want to have them kick in when in reverse. mainly needed for backing trailers but that is something I have not heard anybody do.

I am just looking for real experience and not speculation.

[flintshtr]

I have the Windstar setup in my truck with the Hayden controller--it is setup to run at 195 degrees or whenever the AC is on. There is an additional circuit available to control it with a switch for your reverse option.I only Tow a small motorcycle trailer but the truck does idle for extended times when driving in the gridlock of Philadelphia highways. No noticible temperature spikes have been observed in the three years i have used them.I have done many upgrades and can't tell you if it runs better with them--it is quieter though. Hope this helps,
Steve

[Mark Kovalsky]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tjbeggs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am just looking for real experience and not speculation. </div></div>
From June, 2004 until February, 2007 I was a Transmission Cooling Engineer at Ford. There's my experience, and why I said what I did.

[PTC_POWER]

here is what i did to cool my engine

4 inch from down pipe to stacks(no muffler)
bigger trans cooler
extra trans filter
intercooler
don't mash pedal down to floor and hold
I'm going to get a coolant filter for Christmas, don't think it will help with cooling

[NoSpark]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Kovalsky</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tjbeggs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am just looking for real experience and not speculation. </div></div>
From June, 2004 until February, 2007 I was a Transmission Cooling Engineer at Ford. There's my experience, and why I said what I did. </div></div>

I would have agreed with you before knowing your background.
They work great for cars and light trucks where the engines don't produce so much heat, but for our trucks it's best to stick with the stock fan or maybe a SD unit.
I'm sure someone will come along and try to trump me...but hey after all it's your truck to mod.......

[tjbeggs]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Kovalsky</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tjbeggs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am just looking for real experience and not speculation. </div></div>
From June, 2004 until February, 2007 I was a Transmission Cooling Engineer at Ford. There's my experience, and why I said what I did. </div></div>

Thank you. Your expertise (sp?) is noted. Thank you for sharing.

Here is my findings in my limited experience running no fan what so ever (a day and a half!) outside temps 50-60. highway speeds 65-75. coolant temp 180 trans temp 140-150. Non highway. Stop and go, 25-40 mph same temps

I know during summer I will need some fan. I hit the dunes in the summer sometimes and that will be the big test for me. I rarely tow let alone heavy.

I would still like some other comments though if you have them.

[Mark Kovalsky]

The stock fan does a good job of cooling the truck when it's at max power. If you had less air flow it won't cool at max power. Running an empty truck you probably can get away without a fan, and certainly with electric fans.

Electric fans don't move ANYWHERE near the air that the engine driven fan moves. If you want to cool a hard working truck, electric fans aren't going to do it.

[sdan27]

I've added some electric fans that I put together myself. I can notice a difference in power and fuel economy is probably a little better too. I don't do much towing or driving with much weight in the back and I usually don't have any problems. When it's warm out and I just let my truck sit and idle it warms up pretty good then but then my fans turn on and it cools down again. I was pulling probably about 10-11,000 pounds a few weeks ago and had no overheating issues then. I don't have a chip though and wasn't going real fast. I have a manual transmission and don't have a trans cooler to worry about either. If I didn't have electric fans, I would at least get rid of that heavy metal thing and replace it with a plastic or poly whatever it is. I know flex-a-lite can custom make those sort of things.

[jimzpsd]

My only concern would be under hood temps, and not too much w/engine temps. Another words, can certain components under the hood, like sensors, plastic items, etc., begin to warp and/or melt? Especially after towing and the trucks is sitting and idling, imagine all that heat build up.

[Briansshop]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tjbeggs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would still like some other comments though if you have them. </div></div>

I have some on mine.Works fine for me.You can see them in my pics.For sure the stock fan moves more air,but...My truck will idle all day w/the engine/trans fans on,a/c,stereo and everything else on.So, traffic is not an issue.

TJ,I hit the sand a couple times a year and I would say it is by far harder on the cooling system then towing anything!All the bad stuff: high load,high engine speed,slow vehicle speed and if you're on the beach you can have a tail wind that's moving faster than you are = No air flow through the rad.I've been fine so far.I always air my tires down because it makes it MUCH easier on the whole truck. The longest distance I've run non-stop on the sand is about 10 miles w/4 people in the cab and about 800lbs in the bed.Be sure that your wiring job is up to the task.Use BIG relays and wire.My fans draw about 50 amps.

Hope this helps.

[Garbage_Mechanic]

I'm the type that will not accept limitations and it gets as hot as 113 or so here, ?So my plan is the use the electromagnetic fan clutch designed for the T444e International medium duty trucks. Total disengagement when off, total engagement when on.
I'll let you all know how it goes when I get to it.

[Briansshop]

Would like to hear about that G_M. I wanted one of the US Gear units, but didn't get a chance.