Electric Fan Yes or No 1993 Ranger XLT SC 4.0

[Angry Possum]

I'm thinking of taking out the mechanical fan and putting in a decent electric fan, my Ranger runs a little hot almost 3/4 hot at times randomnly when the AC is on during hot summer days.

So in what I have read the electric fans pull some decent amps, and you may need to get a higher output alternator. I guess I can live with the mechanical fan, just asking you guys what you think.

If you did utilize an electric fan, did it draw a lot of amps taxing your electrical system.

 

[cbxer55]

This topic comes up now and again at LightningRodder.com. One of the guys there, who is considered the "Expert" on Lightnings, says to "keep the clutch fan. It runs continuously". Electric fans are intermittent. For instance, both my trucks have heat vents on the hood. What good are they if the truck is idling and the fan isn't turning?

Also, don't know why this happened. Fitted my Lightning with an electric kit back some years ago. Fired it up. Temperature went up and up, hotter than it ever did with the clutch fan. When it finally kicked on, the controller and fan both caught fire. EEK!. Shut it off ASAP, and yanked the power wires off the controller. Fire went out.

Plus all the wiring was FUGLY.

NEVER AGAIN!!!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have dual efans.

They work, I have a 135A alternator from an Explorer.

Throwing on a big alternator doesn't fix all your issues. You put a bigger tow truck on the tow strap, you need to make sure the strap (wiring) is up to it as well.

If I had room I would have a clutch fan. No wiring, no fuss. It just spins and makes wind.

If you think you are running hot put a real gauge on it that will give you a number, Ford's factory gauges are not exactly calibrated by Texas Instruments...

If it really is running hot fix your cooling system. Thermostat, maybe radiator, fan clutch etc. A stock engine in a stock truck shouldn't care about ambiant temp with or without the A/C.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I have an e-fan on my Choptop. I’m not entirely satisfied with the situation but I think changes can be made that will make it more satisfactory. I never checked the amp load but the one I have doesn’t cause problems, actually because I’ve been fighting a heat soak issue, I leave the switch setup I made in the “auto on” position (it’s connected to a temp sensor) even after I shut the truck off and let it run until it’s cool. Of course I also have a 65 series battery. I set it up with a temp sensor control, an off position, and an always on so I have control over the fan.

 

[gaz]

@Angry Possum
Switching to an electric fan is the #1, most cost effective way to improve that engine's fuel economy. If you run A/C, use both a pusher (for A/C) and a puller for normal cooling.

Research fans that draw at least 2,800 cu/ft/minute.

 

[bobbywalter]

the 4.0 has a system i rarely suggest going to electric with. based on typical cost benefit ratio. as in time and money over a properly functioning oem system. especially if you tow heavy.


but know this. the most powerful heaviest rated towing gorilla half tons ever created, have electric cooling.

the most powerful off road rated 4x4s some with 37 in tires from the factory....we are talking 4 digit power....

have all electric cooling.

ANY ranger made after 1989 will benefit from a properly outfitted electric cooling situation. this does not mean overly complex or expensive.

like 85 mentioned...there are certain early models that came with some weak ass alternator situations prior to that. that were sub 70 amps even in some cases. a 2.0 with a carb and a manual trans dont need much to go down the road. but that nutless slow ass pos will definitely benefit more than any 4.0 from electric cooling....it desperately needs it.

the dumbest most ridiculous bullshit topic on any automotive forum will be on electric fans.

 

[Curious Hound]

the dumbest most ridiculous bullshit topic on any automotive forum will be on electric fans.

LOL!!!

There are a lot of topics I think are tied for that position. But I won't argue this.

 

[dvdswan]

Find the problem before doing upgrades. The truck is 20+ years old. When was the last time the cooling system had a service/inspection.

The "normal" range on the temp gauge is just that normal in hot areas. If it is higher than normal find out why.

Again, fix the problem, then if you want to upgrade go for it. I mean you could get lucky and have a bad fan clutch and the new fans will fix the problem.

 

[SenorNoob]

I kinda wanna do an electric fan. For avoiding dealing with it during the body lift and to be able to turn it off when it's not needed. (Think water crossing) Then I remember the extra wiring and wonder if it'd be worth the trouble.

 

[Curious Hound]

I kinda wanna do an electric fan. For avoiding dealing with it during the body lift and to be able to turn it off when it's not needed. (Think water crossing) Then I remember the extra wiring and wonder if it'd be worth the trouble.

It's not much wiring.

(In my humble, electrically-oriented opinion.)

Power, fuse, relay, temperature switch or pre-made controller is the minimum. Optional cutoff switch for water crossings. Could also add optional integration with AC system.

 

[SenorNoob]

No AC tho this heat has me considering putting it back... With the body lift I wouldn't have the tight space on that rear spark plug and still have room it.

 

[bobbywalter]

If you think you are running hot put a real gauge on it that will give you a number, Ford's factory gauges are not exactly calibrated by Texas Instruments...

ya know.........

 

[Li'l Work Truck]

Optional cutoff switch for water crossings.

Disregard. Continuous fan = FWD inboard for propulsion.




Disclaimer: I have 0 experience on this topic.

 

[Curious Hound]

Continuous fan = FWD inboard for propulsion.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Disregard. Continuous fan = FWD inboard for propulsion.




Disclaimer: I have 0 experience on this topic.

I once tried to rig up a fuel pressure regulator from a 747 on a 2.9 for free boost pressure.

It produced vacuum at highway speeds during testing, so I sold it on ebay.

The thread is here somewhere.