Electric fans

[jmodge]

I promised I would start a thread on this after posting my mileage benefits on another thread. I installed a flexlite fan in my 1990 Blazer. It made a big difference in low end torque, and improved my mileage from just under 12mpg to 13.5mpg.
A pretty simple install, although I did fab a cradle out of 16 ga steel for the shroud to sit on. The mounting system is universal, so some cobbling is required.
I did have one problem with it. Turned out to be the installers fault . The ground within my controller failed. I had to rewire it direct. I bent a piece 10 ga copper to replace the fuse and plugged it in and removed it every where we went.
It turned out, and beware of this anyone who installs one, the controller must be grounded DIRECTLY to the battery. I had mine on a body ground just off the battery along with a few other items. It seems this can cause some backfeeding issues.
To Flex a lite's credit, they still warranteed and shipped a new controller to me at no cost. It was clearly my mistake. I will try to upload a couple photos.View attachment 10797View attachment 10798

 

[jmodge]

I don't know what happened there, but here is a view from the other side. I had no more problems with the controller (can't say the same about loading pictures, I hate @#^@! computors).

 

[jcfly]

I like the idea. Been thinking of doing the same on my next truck. I've seen those crimp on butt connectors fail after awhile, you might think about soldering the splices and then shrink wrapping over them.
In any case, more power, more mileage, you did good!

 

[jmodge]

jcfly,

It looked better before I butchered it on the road. But,good advice, all the connections I do at work I solder and shrink wrap. Keeps the green out. Lots of salt up here. I am putting heads and exhaust on this winter and plan on cleaning up some wiring under the hood.

 

[Phird05]

I don't know what happened there, but here is a view from the other side. I had no more problems with the controller (can't say the same about loading pictures, I hate @#^@! computors). View attachment 10801

Sorry, I just don't know a lot about this, but how does a fan increase torque and increase gas mileage? Is it that the engine runs cooler? I just haven't ever heard of this before.

I don't think I would embark on this job, but I am curious.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[jmodge]

It removes the weight and drag on the engine by removing the heavy clutch fan. Tha same Idea of the aluminum flex fans that came out years ago for street rods and such. It frees up horsepower and torque to the rear wheel that was being used to turn that heavy fan. The result is it takes less throttle to move the vehicle the same speed.

 

[Barko1]

And now they are going to electric steering, no more pump/belt/pulley drag.