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To Electric Fan or Not To Electric Fan


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Well, its been awhile because old Wheezey has been running pretty darn good and I've primarily been riding my motorcycles around town but I've managed to break another thing! My stupid fan clutch is once again stuck "on" and it takes forever for the truck to heat up in the morning now. I replaced the clutch fan last year with an off the shelf NAPA unit but if they're only gonna last a year id like to save my 70$.

 

So, is there a better alternative? Junkyard fan clutches? Better Chinese Parts? Or do I just go for an electric fan? I was thinking about getting a Taurus or MK8 fan and using a Dakota Digital fan controller to run the show since I already have a 100a 12SI alternator conversion, but I do like how simple the clutch fan is and it keeps the truck nice and cool during the summer months.

 

Any info is appreciated!

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It not warming up shouldn’t depend on the clutch fan. Sounds more like the thermostat is stuck open if that’s the problem you’re having. 

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Posted (edited)
16 hours ago, 89 MJ said:

It not warming up shouldn’t depend on the clutch fan. Sounds more like the thermostat is stuck open if that’s the problem you’re having. 

The the I can just watch the temp drop and then come back up when the thermostat closes again as I'm merging onto the freeway. The thermostat definitely opens and closes, scalding heat in the cab when it gets up to temp too. I just can't even move the fan when the truck is dead cold and the suction it has at idle is impressive, even the dual Mishimoto fans on my Miata didn't have this much pull.

Edited by TeKdo
grammar
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20 minutes ago, Pete M said:

what's the warranty on the clutch? 

Limited lifetime. Haven't had any luck with getting anything waranteed through a napa near me for parts on this guy though.

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I feel like that's the path I'd pursue.  the mech fan pulls more air and doesn't require a bunch of wiring to make it work.  plus I paid for a lifetime so I want my lifetime's worth.  :fistshake1: 

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          I have triple fans in my XJ. I used the aluminum 'housing' from dirt bound. I used SPAL fans and a K_Suspension controller. I do have some controllers from Nick-n-Time. My radiator doesn't have the bung to use the ones I ordered from him. I think I'd like his setup better though. Also, K-Suspension has the 'housing' too. I think. 

          I think I dropped about 5 degrees of temp running above 40 mph. Actually, with out any fans in there, I run a bit less. I normally run about 205-210F. I haven't run much in City traffic or 'Wheeling' with this setup. So, I'd be hesitant if that is your build.

         I did try and use a Left and Right hand electrical fans stock XJs. The newer ones put out 1200 to 1400 CFM with the curved blades. I just couldn't come up with one from a RH drive. Also, maybe run a front mounted pusher fan. ??? 

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19 hours ago, Pete M said:

I feel like that's the path I'd pursue.  the mech fan pulls more air and doesn't require a bunch of wiring to make it work.  plus I paid for a lifetime so I want my lifetime's worth.  :fistshake1: 

I'm leaning towards just sticking with the mechanical fan, it works and it's simple. I just hate having to replace these cheap Chinese parts once a year! Yeah it's only a couple of bolts but it's dumb that something this simple would even fail in a year. The original one lasted 40 years, what the hell happened to any form of quality!

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8 hours ago, 75sv1 said:

          I have triple fans in my XJ. I used the aluminum 'housing' from dirt bound. I used SPAL fans and a K_Suspension controller. I do have some controllers from Nick-n-Time. My radiator doesn't have the bung to use the ones I ordered from him. I think I'd like his setup better though. Also, K-Suspension has the 'housing' too. I think. 

          I think I dropped about 5 degrees of temp running above 40 mph. Actually, with out any fans in there, I run a bit less. I normally run about 205-210F. I haven't run much in City traffic or 'Wheeling' with this setup. So, I'd be hesitant if that is your build.

         I did try and use a Left and Right hand electrical fans stock XJs. The newer ones put out 1200 to 1400 CFM with the curved blades. I just couldn't come up with one from a RH drive. Also, maybe run a front mounted pusher fan. ??? 

I don't think I'd need that big of a cooling upgrade for old wheezey lol. I have an aluminum radiator and it's only a 2.5. Most of the time I'm driving around 55 to 65mph and hauling around my motorcycles or something for a home project.

 

From what I've seen the radiator for my truck is way narrower than what's spec'd for a 4.0, that's why I thought about doing a single big Taurus or MK8 fan if I do go the e-fan route 

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16 hours ago, Eagle_SX4 said:

I got a Duralast fan clutch from AutoZone last year and it said made in USA. It has been working great.

Will be looking into this, normally avoid AutoZone because I've been burned so many times for dontlast parts lol

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