Flex-a-lite questions

[firefighter184]

Bent my fan on a run a couple weeks ago, and now it wobbles. I know eventually it'll burn up my water pump. My question is this:

Do I run it for two months until I have the money for a flex-a-lite, or do I hurry up and get a used one from pull and save next weekend. Also, what do you guys think about flex-a-lite? Pros and cons?

Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

 

[rcamacho]

I ran a Black Magic fan on a FS Dodge for a few years.
1) the Fan should be correctly size to cover the majority of the cross section of the radiator or hot spots and termal fatigue will develop
2)Fans draw high current so make sure the alternator puts out significant amperage at idle (read upgrade)
3)BTU: Match the fan with the engine size.

 

[firefighter184]

If I went to a flex-a-lite, I was thinking a 140amp alternator would work.

 

[rjfguitar]

I went with the dual 13.5" flew a lite fans myself. they pull a TON more air than the stock fan did. I have a GM commerical altenator that is rated at 100 amps and was just enough to keep up with the fans, A/C, and stereo with 2 amps. with a stereo that doesn't pull a lot of power and just a single fan you should be able to get by with the stock 78 amp alt.

 

[dyeager535]

I concur.

I ran a 78 amp alt with my dual fan GM setup, and I didn't have any problems with alternator output.

Additional electrical load and engine speed is going to make a difference on what you can get away with.