blazinbg
Registered Member
have an 83 k5 was wondering if going to electric fans rather than the mech. fan is a good upgrade I live in Los Angeles, Ca we dont get very hot up over any feedback would be great.
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
electric or mechanical fans?
- Thread starter blazinbg
- Start date
phreddei166
1/2 ton status
I run 16 inch electric fan with Summit aluminum shroud ,3-core rad, 160 t-stat. Never over 190 even on 90 degree day. Using Painless Fan-Thom II wiring with fan on at 190 , off at 170. Fan only runs at low driving speed and stop & go traffic , never on highway. Not a rock crawler so can't say about that. Mild off-road never over 190 again.
CDA 455
3/4 ton status
Doubtful electric fans cool better than stock clutch setup.
No one knows the CFM of the stock fan, so it's impossible to compare to electrics which are generally rated for a certain CFM.
Only time electric fans serve a purpose generally is for space savings.
No one knows the CFM of the stock fan, so it's impossible to compare to electrics which are generally rated for a certain CFM.
Only time electric fans serve a purpose generally is for space savings.
CDA 455
3/4 ton status
Well, the Windstar fan set up is pretty popular and seems to do its job.
I don't see anyone complaining that it doesn't.
No way to tell which has more capability without numbers. (CFM)
Just because an/my electric setup works here in seattle doesn't mean someone rock crawling in Phoenix is going to have the same experience, and you'll find PLENTY of people who can't keep their rigs cool with electrics, either crawling or towing. (have not heard that about the Windstars, yet) Don't think I've ever seen someone say the same for the clutched factory setups.
Not saying electrics can't work, just that they are being pulled off of totally different chassis/drivetrain combinations that were not tested/proven with our trucks. You can guarantee GM spent a boatload of money figuring out which setup worked best on the trucks.
Just because an/my electric setup works here in seattle doesn't mean someone rock crawling in Phoenix is going to have the same experience, and you'll find PLENTY of people who can't keep their rigs cool with electrics, either crawling or towing. (have not heard that about the Windstars, yet) Don't think I've ever seen someone say the same for the clutched factory setups.
Not saying electrics can't work, just that they are being pulled off of totally different chassis/drivetrain combinations that were not tested/proven with our trucks. You can guarantee GM spent a boatload of money figuring out which setup worked best on the trucks.
Okay, Here is why I went to electric. Hp savings. I work with fan systems every day and I expect to see 10-15 HP savings by going electric. obviously with a thermal clutch fan it is an intermittant savings of Hp but a savings none the less.
Another benefit to electric fans is being able to turn them off for deep water crossings.
CDA 455
3/4 ton status
MaxPF
1/2 ton status
Take a peek under the hood of a new Chevy half ton truck (maybe even 3/4 ton and even one ton - I don't recall looking under the hood of one of them) and you will find electric fans. I think the main reason is to eek out an extra 1/10th of a MPG.
For my money I will stick with a good ol' mechanical viscous-clutch fan. For deep water crossings, just enter slow at low RPM so the fan will slowly enter the water and it's fine - people have been doing so for a loooong time.
The neatest setups I have seen are electric clutch fans. They have a viscous clutch AND an electric clutch, similar to an AC compressor. When needed, the electric clutch engages and the engine drives it through the viscous clutch. When not needed it is completely disengaged. That is the best of both worlds IMO. I don't know what (if any) vehicles have them, but when I was in the Army the 5-ton trucks used them on their Cummins diesels.
For my money I will stick with a good ol' mechanical viscous-clutch fan. For deep water crossings, just enter slow at low RPM so the fan will slowly enter the water and it's fine - people have been doing so for a loooong time.
The neatest setups I have seen are electric clutch fans. They have a viscous clutch AND an electric clutch, similar to an AC compressor. When needed, the electric clutch engages and the engine drives it through the viscous clutch. When not needed it is completely disengaged. That is the best of both worlds IMO. I don't know what (if any) vehicles have them, but when I was in the Army the 5-ton trucks used them on their Cummins diesels.
There is no way you'll gain 10-15HP by going with an electric fan.
CDA 455
3/4 ton status
I see your point. I said a savings of HP, not a gain. I put 80,000 miles a year on my vehicles of which include the K5 and I figure that the savings more than justify the expense of going electric.
I compare the perceived volume of air coming from a driven fan that is engaged to one of my fan systems and that is where I guessed the 10-15 HP savings.
I compare the perceived volume of air coming from a driven fan that is engaged to one of my fan systems and that is where I guessed the 10-15 HP savings.
What you're saying is that by removing the stock clutch fan you are freeing up 10-15HP which essentially means you are gaining HP. Yes you will free up some HP but not anywhere near those numbers.
No way to tell, but I can dream.
