• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

E-fan Swap Question 1993 3.0 4x4 Splash


Coop7

Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Jan 26, 2017
Messages
59
Reaction score
15
Points
8
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford / Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Just a quick question, is there any reason nobody seems interested in using the stock coolant fan switch bung in the lower intake manifold for the aftermarket fan switch location?

All the swaps I've seen published use an inline coolant hose add in, or an in radiator probe(which I would personally prefer to avoid) and I've been unable to find if removing the original sensor and replacing with the aftermarket one wired into the e-fan would affect anything else, but it looks like it's just a temp sensitive ground sending switch that, unless I am mistaken and I very well could be, should only be used to activate the fan clutch for the mechanical fan? Wouldn't think it would be pertinent to any other sensing info in the ecu, etc?

It's the lower single wire switch pictured better in the second pic. First pic is just to provide frame of reference.

WhatsApp Image 2022-05-12 at 3.21.21 PM.jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2022-05-12 at 3.21.12 PM.jpeg
1993 3.0 4x4 Splash.
 


dvdswan

Well-Known Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Feb 11, 2021
Messages
2,834
Reaction score
2,904
Points
113
Location
Seattle, WA
Vehicle Year
1991
Make / Model
Ranger XLT 2WD
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
Keep your mind like an umbrella, it only works if its open... Continually learning.
Welcome to the site.

It might be for the dash gauge and the other on the block/head might be for the PCM or vice versa. I wouldn't want to use one of those, just add another switch.

Curious as to why you what to change to an electric fan?
 

Northidahotrailblazer

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2012
Messages
394
Reaction score
451
Points
63
Location
Northern Idaho
Vehicle Year
1992
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
Solid Axle Swap 4x4
Total Lift
8 inches
Tire Size
37"
The two wire switch is for the ECM/PCM it will not run right with out it. it will not know how to adjust for timing. Since the PCM changes fuel ratios for when an engine is warm vs cold all done off coolant temp and O2 sensor.

The single wire sensor is for your gauge. it will run just fine with out this, but your gauge wont work....
 

Coop7

Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Jan 26, 2017
Messages
59
Reaction score
15
Points
8
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford / Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
The two wire switch is for the ECM/PCM it will not run right with out it. it will not know how to adjust for timing. Since the PCM changes fuel ratios for when an engine is warm vs cold all done off coolant temp and O2 sensor.

The single wire sensor is for your gauge. it will run just fine with out this, but your gauge wont work....
Ahhhh. I see. That makes sense then. I've had trouble looking up specific wiring for the truck, perhaps just from me being bad at searching, not so much from lack of availability. Lol

The dual wire I figured was a bit more important, but I made the false assumption that the single wire was just the on/off switch for the fan assy. Looks like I'll be ordering more parts as a temp gauge will be pretty important to make sure my fan doesn't die on me due to silly installation errors.
 

RonD

Official TRS AI
TRS Technical Advisor
Joined
Jun 2, 2012
Messages
25,363
Reaction score
8,367
Points
113
Location
canada
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
Fan clutch is not electric, it has a bi-metal spring on the front, next to radiator, as the radiator gets hot the spring expands and closes off valves inside the clutch, which causes the fan blades to spin closer to water pump RPMs increasing its cooling ability


Yes, single wire temp sender is for dash board temp gauge
2 wire is the ECT sensor just for computer and Choke mode

An e-fan uses a temp switch, open or closed, based on its temp, and there are dual temp switches for high and low speeds as well
Temp switch can be mounted on an added Heater hose bung(or Rad hose bung), or using a temp sensor mounted between radiator fins

e-fan can be better in that they can be turned off for higher water crossings
Also less drag on the engine if setup correctly

Either fan is there to pull air thru the radiator to cool the coolant as it circulates, and this is only needed when stopped or driving slowly
At higher speed air is being forced thru radiator faster than any fan can pull it thru so e-fan can shut off, mechanical fan just keeps using horse power regardless, although it isn't all that much since air flow thru rad(at speed) is helping to spin it, lol

e-fans were required on transverse mounted engines for the obvious reason, but they do have their benefits and drawbacks, same as direct drive or clutch drive mechanical fans
Users choice
 

Coop7

Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Jan 26, 2017
Messages
59
Reaction score
15
Points
8
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford / Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Welcome to the site.

It might be for the dash gauge and the other on the block/head might be for the PCM or vice versa. I wouldn't want to use one of those, just add another switch.

Curious as to why you what to change to an electric fan?
Yeah, looks like I'll be ordering an in line setup. Wish I would have thought of that when I replaced my radiator hoses a few months back. Lol

PMCS. Haha Replacing/repairing anyway, might as well "upgrade". And yes, I realize there are a variety of opinions regarding whether an e-fan is actually an "upgrade". I think there are very good reasons to stick with the mechanical system, but I'm partial to the electrical system. Spent a good deal of time trying to figure out how to get one mounted in my truck. The Volvo swap isn't as viable anymore due to lack of availability in my area. Or so it seems. Could just be another instance of me not being good at looking. All in all, when I get it done I'll try to remember to post pics.
 

Coop7

Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Jan 26, 2017
Messages
59
Reaction score
15
Points
8
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford / Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Fan clutch is not electric, it has a bi-metal spring on the front, next to radiator, as the radiator gets hot the spring expands and closes off valves inside the clutch, which causes the fan blades to spin closer to water pump RPMs increasing its cooling ability


Yes, single wire temp sender is for dash board temp gauge
2 wire is the ECT sensor just for computer and Choke mode

An e-fan uses a temp switch, open or closed, based on its temp, and there are dual temp switches for high and low speeds as well

e-fan can be better in that they can be turned off for higher water crossings
Also less drag on the engine if setup correctly

Either fan is there to pull air thru the radiator to cool the coolant as it circulates, and this is only needed when stopped or driving slowly
At higher speed air is being forced thru radiator faster than any fan can pull it thru so e-fan can shut off, mechanical fan just keeps using horse power regardless, although it isn't all that much since air flow thru rad(at speed) is helping to spin it, lol

e-fans were required on transverse mounted engines for the obvious reason, but they do have their benefits and drawbacks, same as direct drive or clutch drive mechanical fans
Users choice
Makes sense. Similar to the thermostat in a house, then? (As far as the bimetal having different heat expansion rates cause actuation, not exactly like a house thermostat, but same idea?)

Thanks for the reply and info!

I opted for the dual temp switch used in the pinned Volvo swap, to use with a dual speed fan sourced from Summit, I think? I don't remember honestly, I've looked at so many sites and fans... Haha
 

dvdswan

Well-Known Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Feb 11, 2021
Messages
2,834
Reaction score
2,904
Points
113
Location
Seattle, WA
Vehicle Year
1991
Make / Model
Ranger XLT 2WD
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
Keep your mind like an umbrella, it only works if its open... Continually learning.
FYI, a properly operating fan clutch will work better than an electric fan if you're towing/hauling loads.
 

Uncle Gump

Token Old Guy
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
13,934
Reaction score
13,423
Points
113
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
Just tidying up... moved this to the 3.0L forum.

The next thing is... which hose to put the sender adaptor in. You can use upper or lower... they even have them for the heater hose.

I have one for an aftermarket gauge and I chose the lower hose. Not because it's anymore accurate... but because the temp sender will always be in coolant.

I've heard of issues using them in the upper hose.
 

Uncle Gump

Token Old Guy
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
13,934
Reaction score
13,423
Points
113
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
Also remember... single wire senders would require a ground lug on the adaptor.
 

dirtymike

Active Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Dec 30, 2010
Messages
527
Reaction score
112
Points
43
Age
62
Location
knoxville TN
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ranger lwb
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
1 inch spacers
Tire Size
P23575R15
My credo
Do unto others then Split-probasti me et chognuisti me
FYI, a properly operating fan clutch will work better than an electric fan if you're towing/hauling loads.
I did not know this. I know it uses more fuel but how does it "work better"
 

Uncle Gump

Token Old Guy
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
13,934
Reaction score
13,423
Points
113
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
FYI, a properly operating fan clutch will work better than an electric fan if you're towing/hauling loads.
Not sure what's going on here... but... I wonder if it's necessary?
 

Coop7

Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Jan 26, 2017
Messages
59
Reaction score
15
Points
8
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford / Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Just tidying up... moved this to the 3.0L forum.

The next thing is... which hose to put the sender adaptor in. You can use upper or lower... they even have them for the heater hose.

I have one for an aftermarket gauge and I chose the lower hose. Not because it's anymore accurate... but because the temp sender will always be in coolant.

I've heard of issues using them in the upper hose.
Roger. Sorry for posting in the wrong section!

I was looking at the upper hose for ease of install and I like that spot in the cooling system better. My thought, though I may be mistaken, is that it would give a slightly better(probably negligible) indication of engine coolant temp? My plan to avoid air bubbles at the sensor was to mount it sideways instead of vertically. I thought I had seen someone previously mention issues with air bubbles in aftermarket sensor locations, so hopefully that would keep that from happening. Not to mention my bottom hose is a poorly fitting aftermarket hose that barely avoids my serpentine. I was NOT happy with it when I was installing, but so far it has worked and doesn't rub.

Do you have a write up posted for yours as well? I'm currently working on the wiring and waiting for more parts to come in. Any extra reference or advice is always welcome.
 

Coop7

Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Jan 26, 2017
Messages
59
Reaction score
15
Points
8
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford / Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Also remember... single wire senders would require a ground lug on the adaptor.
Ahhh. I was wondering why there were ground wires included with some of the kits. Didn't figure mine would need the extra ground, as mine is a three wire sensor. High, low and ground.

I ended up going with the Auto Meter 2283. I was a bit concerned as the ID of my hose is 1 7/16" and this kit claims to be 1.8"... Other places have the same kit at 1.5", so I'm not sure. What did you use if you don't mind me asking?
 

Uncle Gump

Token Old Guy
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
13,934
Reaction score
13,423
Points
113
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
Ya know... I've been laid up for months now. That didn't stop me from buying up parts though. My gauges and adaptor are sitting on the bench and I hope to get after my Bronco II in the next week or so. I just looked up and found the ID specs for the lower hose and ordered the 1 1/2 adaptor. I made the mistake of not getting the ground lug... but it was past the return window when I realized my mistake. I'm just gonna drill and tap my own ground.

I have also heard people having issues with then in the upper hose... but it has its benefits for putting it there.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Members online

No members online now.

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Shran
April Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top