Okay, This Has Gotten Out Of Hand...

[Noflers]

My cooling fan, I stays on constantly, cold or hot. I've heard it could be my CEL, or the that the fan clutch is bad, but whatever it is it needs to stop. Oh, I forgot to mention that the fan seems to be off balance which, I'm sure, is only causing it to rob more power from the engine and wearing the water pump out slowly.

If it is the incurable CEL that's keeping it on than it isn't worth bothering with the fan clutch.

I've considered an electric fan conversion, but I'm not sure if the alternator can handle that. Anyone know the what the output of a 1999 Ranger XLT alternator is? Or even better, does anyone know what the peak draw from the electrical system is?

 

[willy]

95 amps is alt output dont see how the check engine light would affect the fan tho if the clutch isnt unlocking i would replace the clutch as for efan swap the fans from the ford contours fit nicely

 

[Noflers]

I've read that some vehicles run the fan continuously if the CEL is on to protect the engine, but I haven't found anything that says the Rangers do the same thing.

 

[hoosier1104]

Sounds like a fan clutch to me.

 

[black_demon69]

I've read that some vehicles run the fan continuously if the CEL is on to protect the engine, but I haven't found anything that says the Rangers do the same thing.

the fan on a ranger is always turning because it is attached to the water pump which always turns. E fan will turn on when temp gets to the right point and then turn off when temp drops below that point except when the A/C is turned on E fan will stay on.

you probably just need the fan clutch

 

[naford]

Did you do a search? I thought some body had written up an article on testing the fan. I not with the motor off see if the fan will spin freely. There should be some resistance.

 

[Noflers]

I'm just not sure how much resistance there should be...

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Go to the bone yard and get another fan and replace the clutch and see how it does.

 

[Noflers]

I might do that, but is there any way to grease the bearing on the water pump? The fan looks slightly off balance...

 

[enjr44]

I might do that, but is there any way to grease the bearing on the water pump? The fan looks slightly off balance...

No it is lubed by coolant from the inside.

 

[RonD]

OK, first things first, 1999 Ranger 3.0l has a mechanical radiator cooling fan, not an electric fan, so CEL(check engine light) or computer has no control over it.

Fan clutch is attached to the fan blades and the water pump.
This clutch has fluid and a valve inside.
On the front of the fan clutch is a bi-metal spring, it holds the valve inside open, as this spring is heated by Radiator heat(not engine heat) the spring loses tension so valve inside closes and fan blade spins closer to water pump speed.

To test fan clutch, start COLD engine, run it for 1 minute and shut it off.
You must run fan clutch for 1 minute to disengage it from last time it was driven.
Open hood and spin the fan blade
When you spin it it should continue to spin after releasing blade, not a lot but some

After driving somewhere and engine(and rad) is fully warmed up, shut off engine and pop hood.
Spin it again, it should stop spinning as soon as you release the blade.


Vehicles equipped with electric cooling fans sometimes default to Fan On, depending on what codes are set, so your info is correct, just not applicable to 1999 Ranger 3.0l

Vehicles equipped with Air Conditioning will often have an electric fan on the Condenser unit located in front of the radiator, this fan is controlled by A/C system, and computer on some models

 

[Noflers]

Well the fan does have a fair amount of resistance, I followed you're instructions, RonD.

I'm still concerned about the fan being off balance, and I'm still considering the efan. I guess next time I'm near the salvage yard I'll take a look around. I really do want to scrape up every last bit of fuel economy as possible. New plus and wires did wider for the truck, but there's always something else, right? [emoji6]

 

[kimcrwbr1]

If the engine stays at normal temp and the bearing is not leaking water you dont need to change the circ pump.

 

[RonD]

An e-fan is a good upgrade, more horse power to wheels and better MPG, ain't much but ain't 0 either, lol.

Good reads here on DIY Ranger E-fan options: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index-heating.shtml

1999 Ranger could have a 95amp alternator or a 130amp, either is fine but 130amp would be better, and often not an expensive upgrade if you are going to the wreck yard looking for e-fan parts anyway.
Good read here on what to look for: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/alternator.shtml

 

[willy]

Ford contour fans are low profile and you get duals and the cool very well