Making room for an electric fan

[sffan15]

Between my water pump and the radiator isn't much room and I've had a custom super-low-profile shroud made with the biggest fan I can fit (with off-axis orientation from the water pump to allow more depth) but this fan just isn't cutting it while climbing.

So, I'm thinking I've gotta start cutting to move the radiator mounts forward.

Anyone have any input? Am I doing something wrong? The radiator mounts as-is are stock.

Thanks,

 

[Izzy]

Can't you mount a push fan in front of the radiator instead of a pull fan behind it?

 

[DJs74]

Can't you mount a push fan in front of the radiator instead of a pull fan behind it?

X2


DJs74

 

[sanndmann3]

Take a look at swapping to an Explorer serpentine set up. excellent write up in tech library...

 

[FrankSG]

I too wanted to add an electric fan but it would be way too close on my rig. If you are lucky enough to have more clearance than I have, be sure that the fan setup is big enough and powerful enough to push or pull the air through at idle.

I have the serpentine setup and a Ron Davis radiator and the clearance to the mechanical fan is only 1". The radiator to the water pump pulley is 3" at best.

I've been wanting to do the same, but considering all of the work in order to move the radiator back, I placed it at the bottom of my Bronco wish list.

 

[doran4x]

What are you running that caused the clearance issues?

 

[Brewbro21]

I don't know the exacts on this but what about the Liberty one that has a write up on this site? looks to fit without any mods.

Any input on this one?

 

[C Saporito]

You can keep your fan and add a pusher on the front of the radiator to supplement it.
If you just want to run an electric fan, you need a puller on the inside of the radiator.

My fans are set to come on at 205 deg, or I can manually override on or off.

 

[Timmy390]

What electric fan are you trying to run?
I just mounted this one for use with my 351W conversion. It's tight but I have a fat 1/4 inch clearance after moving/flipping the upper radiator mount brackets to the outside of the core.
http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/High_Output_Radiator_Fan_17in

I'm running a 96 van front dress and it left me little room to work with.

Tim

 

[Broncobowsher]

What magical fan are you planning on using that cools better then a good mechanical fan? I've seen mechanical fans that don't cool well, they are put on backwards so the scoop of the blade doesn't move air very well. If the fan isn't on backwards (and that actually happens WAY more then people think they have done it) the next best is an Explorer fan with shroud.

I don't think an electric fan is the fix for this one.

 

[pbwcr]

X2 below I see local shops removing electric fans and installing mechanical fans with proper shroud. No more overheating
======

What magical fan are you planning on using that cools better then a good mechanical fan? I've seen mechanical fans that don't cool well, they are put on backwards so the scoop of the blade doesn't move air very well. If the fan isn't on backwards (and that actually happens WAY more then people think they have done it) the next best is an Explorer fan with shroud.

I don't think an electric fan is the fix for this one.

 

[matt w]

You can keep your fan and add a pusher on the front of the radiator to supplement it.
If you just want to run an electric fan, you need a puller on the inside of the radiator.

My fans are set to come on at 205 deg, or I can manually override on or off.

THAT is a GREAT set-up! What is the mfg... and or part number for that!

I think that would eliminate my "on the trail, uphill, slow on hot summer days only" issue!

 

[Sabas]

I run a Volvo fan with a custom shroud. Cools the 5.8 just fine, I also run the explorer serp setup

Sabas

 

[pbwcr]

I have read many times that the only electric ones are OEM. The generic after market ones are the ones that do not move enough air. Good reports come from Volvo and Ford. Hard to fit for many of us so we stick with mechanical.

 

[C Saporito]

THAT is a GREAT set-up! What is the mfg... and or part number for that!

I think that would eliminate my "on the trail, uphill, slow on hot summer days only" issue!

I purchased this at a swap meet and reversed it to a pusher, I had to cut the shroud to fit it right up against the radiator core. There is about 1/4" to 1/2" clearance between the grill and fan motors. Fans pull better than push, but as supplemental cooling it works great. If they're going to be your only cooling fans they need to set up as pullers.

https://webstore.spalusa.com/en-us/...30102052/2va06-ap70-ll-37a-11-p-12v-dual.aspx

 

[Ol'Blue]

Try these guys

http://www.mattsonscustomradiator.com/

They set me up with an electric pusher fan that comes on at 195* and the motor hasn't seen 200* since.

I had to remove my stock hood release and go to hood pins to make room, but very happy with the results.

I think a spent about $225 for the fan, tstat and for them to weld on the brackets to the radiator for the fan.

 

[dave67fd]

I have the Flex-a-lite mechanical fan and it's a big improvement over stock.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/flx-1317/overview/

 

[Broncotj0]

I'm not a big money guy and there was no way I was paying hundreds of dollars on fans. I used a dual fan setup out of a 2001 mercury cougar. With a little bit of trimming and a couple relays for a late 90's buick I had a dual fan setup for under $25. I did have to do a little clearancing on the fan housing to clear my power steering pump pulley. But I am still using the v-belt setup.

 

[C Saporito]

Saw this bit of innovative jeep technology today, LOL.

 

[MeyerzBronco]

Try these guys

http://www.mattsonscustomradiator.com/

They set me up with an electric pusher fan that comes on at 195* and the motor hasn't seen 200* since.

I had to remove my stock hood release and go to hood pins to make room, but very happy with the results.

I think a spent about $225 for the fan, tstat and for them to weld on the brackets to the radiator for the fan.

Dropped mine off today.