Can I get some help with this?

I've been noticing this really annoying sound coming from my fan I am told it is the fan clutch and I'm going to reLace that and the fan... I was wondering instead of buying factory parts can I upgrade them to get better performance or is it not worth it???

 

I ditched mine all together and go electric. You'll free up a little power and bump the mileage a bit too. If not, a thermal replacement from any of the major auto parts stores should do.

 

What's so special about the electric fan?

 

The factory uses up some horsepower to run since it's always being turned when the engine is running.. The electric warms up quicker, runs only when it's turned on. The less accessories the engine runs, the more you free up in power/mileage. That's why most cars have switched to electric fans.

 

That sound like a better way to go. Now this may be a dumb question but I'd rather ask it now then deal with it later . When do you turn it on and off ? Im new to the electric fan so cut me some slack .

 

There's usually a temp sensor that turns it off and on, others also wire in a manual switch( good for water crossings if you offroad).

Don't forget that you are putting a load on the alt, which in turn robs the engine of power. Which is greater (more draw from the alt or mechanical clutch) I have no idea.

 

You can get a fan switch the turns on 10-15 degrees after the thermostat opens and turns off right around when the thermostat would start closing again. So, if you have the factory thermo, they can open somewhere between 192-197, get a switch that turns on around 200-205. That way it will regulate and won't stay on all the time or run too hot. For the most part it will run while you sit in traffic. It will cool enough on it's own while you are driving. Also, get one that has the a/c option. That will turn it on anytime the a/c compressor is engaged or it won't cool. Find a 16" fan that is at least 2000 cfm and higher. The higher the better, it'll cool better. Zirgo makes some decent fans for the price/cfm rating. 3000 cfm for around $100.

 

The alternator draw is less than the fan. And the electric isn't running all the time.

 

Wait a second your saying that the electric fan is robbing more Power from the alt?'or the clutch is??

 

Clutch/fan sucks up more power.

 

Sorry didn't see that in time

 

One more dumb question. So if i get the e fan then I'm not going to have to replace the clutch, right?

 

Yeah, you'll remove the fan/clutch and shroud. I bought an aluminum shroud from Jegs and modified it to fit the radiator and mounted it. Some people just mount the fan without a shroud and it works well but I have the supercharger so I wanted it to be more efficient. I was going to post a pic but I guess I deleted it from my computer. I suggest get some mounting straps to mount the fan and not use the plastic rods that mount through the radiator. The plastic rods can wear a hole in the radiator and are a pain if you have to service/remove and replace the fan.

 

A mechanical does not run all the time either, at least ones with viscous couplings don't.

 

The clutch may not be engaged but it is still being spun by the crank. If I'm not mistaken, Rangers use thermal fan clutches, unless they've upgraded in recent years.

 

I'm having a hard time finding a 16 inch fan any links you guys got ??

 

These are the Zirgo 16". Amazon.com: Zirgo ZFB16S Blu 16" 3000 cfm High Performance Cooling Fan: Automotive

 

Thanks for the help ! I'm buying it tonight and getting it overnight shipped install tomorrow hopefully !! Wish me luck

 

Don't forget a fan switch/controller. I've had good luck with the Hayden ones.

 

Yeah I'm gonna get them found them for I think $36. Sound about right?

 

I used to get them at Pepboys for around $30 but things have probably gone up. If you got the non-adjustable one, you can play with the placement of the probe to get it to turn on at higher or lower temps, depending on how far or close to the return hose on the radiator.