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Electric Fan or Lower Degree T-stat?

Copasetic

Copasetic

1/2 ton status
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Mar 9, 2007
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Location
Martinez, GA
Hey guys. Ever since I have installed my 3 inch body lift, my truck runs a tad warmer, about the 200 or so range, especially when I'm pulling a trailer. I have the lower part of the fan shroud removed also. So, which would be better? An electric fan or a lower degree t-stat? I've searched on here and saw were some folks have went to the junk yard and got an electric fan from a WIndstar but I'm leary of getting anything like that. Not to mention my fab skills aren't that great, lol. And if a new fan is my best option, what do y'all recommend? Single? Double? Push or pull? Thanks in advance!
 
Without a shroud, your fan is the problem. Lower t-stat is NOT the answer to overheating problems. It will allow a few more seconds before you reach a temperature you are unhappy with, but the end result is that the fan can't pull enough air. No question, before shroud removal, engine temp fine. After fan shroud, engine gets warm.

You need to FIRST make sure that your cooling system is in good order, especially the radiator. Free of debris on the outside, and flows good on the inside. Yes, flow is pretty much impossible to check yourself, if the radiator is old and/or you can see corrosion just by looking inside after pulling the cap, you should probably replace it.

Lowest concentration of antifreeze you can run for the climate you will expose the truck to is the most efficient coolant. Obviously don't go below the antifreeze makers minimum mix ratio, as the anti-corrosion/lubricant properties are important.
 
I keep a good check on things like that. The previous owner took great care of this truck and I intend on doing the same. The is no corrosion in the radiator and the antifreeze looks like new. The fins are straight and clean and no obstructions. I have a factory engine oil cooler in the front and I'm wanting to add a trans cooler soon as well. So since a different t-stat is not the way to go, does anyone have a preference of electric fans? Thanks again!
 
Beings you raised your body your shroud is basicly useless now and your fan is not pulling air thru the center of the radiator. So your best bet is to ditch the stock fan and go electric. Because you also tow a dual fan set up like this is the smallest set up I would go with. perma cool fan
It will ok for towing the light loads K5 are rated for.

Also puller fan is better than pusher.
 
Wow! Those things aren't cheap are they? :eek1: Maybe I should try to take a stab at one from a Winstar from a salvage yard. I saw a couple on ebat at a pretty decent price. Anything I should look for when looking at one of those?
 
another thing to find out is what years and just see what the price is new vs used. I'd agree with going with a puller set to kick on at a preset temp and especially if you off road and cross water have a cutoff switch added in so you can shut it off while in water. I would only concider a pusher setup on an on/off switch only and use it if extra flow is needed if it gets warm enough over the summer
 
Hijack on

I have an 88 K5 and my truck runs at 210 after warm up. No lees no more.
I want it to run a lil cooler what should I do?

Btw everything runs good and looks fine, coolant is clean and fins are straight and I removed the a/c condensor so no blockeage.

Hijack off
 
I have seen new dual fan setups for Blazers Subs ect on Ebay for 200. If that is more in your price range. They come as a kit with the thermo switch ect. the guy is always selling them on there.

Dont know about the windstar or tarus fans on a Blazer. I know they do move a lot of air and you prolly can make them work. They draw a lot of amps tho. Might want to make sure your alternator is up to the task.
I have read some posts here where people have used them. Mabe do a search something may come up.

BTW the stock thermostat for TBI is a 195 The ECM is programed for those temps as that is where the engine is most efficient. So 200 or a little more is not bad and well in the operating range. The stock guages are not the most accurate things either.
If the thermostat is old or unknown age it wouldn't hurt to replace it. Do not go lower than 180
 
Those will prolly work IIRC that was the ad i have seen before. The only thing I see wrong with it is from the pics it looks like the fans mount to the radiator with those plastic zip ties that go thru the core. They are bad news because they will wear holes in the radiator when used off road due to vibration. You should fab up some mounts for them. Not hard to make mounting straps with some aluminum or steel flat stock.
That is the problem with electric fans. Unless you buy one of the expensive kits with the shroud and everything you will have to do some fab work.
 
I could probably handle something like that. As long as I don't have to weld anything I'm good, lol. I'm going to start swapping the front end out on my truck in the morning so I'll measure the radiator while I'm under there. Thanks a lot guys!:bow:
 
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