Flex-A-Lite Fan

[Goodspike]

Just to update my Flex-a-Lite 40 experience, I switched the fan setup to only run when the engine is on. It was simply running too long after, for no real benefit. Thanks to whoever suggested the windshield wipers as a source for switched power.

I also moved the sensor down to about 2" from the top of the radiator, from 1". It occurred to me that if the radiator were ever low, it wouldn't turn on, but I discovered it actually keeps the temperature more stable to have it lower.

I'm not yet convinced this is a good product. The improved hill climbing is nice, but there's seemingly now improvement in fuel mileage the first two tanks (actually the second was worse), and reliability is a concern.

 

[Goodspike]

I installed a Flex-a-lite specific for my ranger a few years back. I bought it for performance and mileage reasons, but eventually took it off and replaced the stock fan. It did make the truck a bit more responsive, but having AC without overheating was more important.

The electric fan had an exterior temp sensor and was also wired to a relay so it would come on with the AC compressor clutch. On a hot day, the electric would run non-stop, but couldn’t keep up. The truck would quickly overheat at idle with the AC running. .

I've now gone over a year with the Flex-a-Lite as I described above, without the issues you've mentioned. But I've not been stuck in traffic for an extended period on a very hot day, and Seattle obviously has cooler weather than Texas. If I lived in Phoenix, for example, I probably wouldn't consider this as a viable solution.

BTW, up here I haven't had to connect up the circuit so that it runs whenever the AC compressor runs.

 

[bobbywalter]

this is why i do not recommend those fans or most of the crap on the shelf at the big national parts chains

the taurus type fan is pretty much the only choice for me if your in severe duty enviroments.

it cools 400 hp easily in 100 degree weather providing superior ac performance over any oem mechanical fan in a traffic jam at 100 degrees.


the problem is in which it is managed, the temp probe through the radiator setup is not something to use with the factory units, and a solid oem or painless type preset switch in the coolant passage, running a heavy gauge 40 amp or larger relay setup is best with the ac demand hooked to that hd relay as well.

thanks for reporting back. though i am surprised you did not have a long term mileage difference, must be very few of those hill type challenges like you were using as a power difference. up in cooler climates there generally is a smaller mpg change if any at all. though i have never seen a decrease....in warmer climates 1-2 mpg or sometimes more is common. which is huge in itself.


one thing i see is extreme misapplication of the fans, there are guys mounting them at the edge the the factory shrouds in trucks!!! i see that too often. throw the factory shroud away and mount the fan directly to the radiator as close as possible, i am glad you have had success with the flex a lite unit but i found them and the haydens to be junk for the long haul and the cause of all of the idiocy and myth surrounding the e fans.

 

[06RangerXLT]

Not only is there no performance or MPG advantage to an e-fan, with all the components, the reliability is much worse than the OEM mechanical fan/clutch.

you need a life