Monty SR electric fans

[LaOutbackTrail]

Howdy guys,

Has anyone considered installing an electric fan in their montero? I dont know if you've noticed, but our radiators have tons of competition...
Has anyone seen one installed? Any specs on any particular fan models?

Benefits of going to an electric fan would include:
-Constant fan RPM regardless of engine speed.
-Ability to adjust the temperature range
-Ability to turn fan on and off for water crossings
-Increase in motor efficiency and performance

Cons:
-Draws extra power from battery/alternator.
-Expense and fitment

I'm interested in this solution because one of my dream trips is to do some "jungle bashing" in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. This generally requires slower speeds in a hot and humid environment.

Thoughts on the subject?

 

[off-roader]

One other problem with electric which have stopped me from switching is that unlike mechanical fans, with electrics you won't know when the motor burns up and the blades have stopped spinning until its probably too late.

 

[eurosonic]

Does eliminating the original fan increase a noticeable amount in performance??

 

[Jeff@QuadShop]

Does eliminating the original fan increase a noticeable amount in performance??

Not really, it's very minor.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

One other problem with electric which have stopped me from switching is that unlike mechanical fans, with electrics you won't know when the motor burns up and the blades have stopped spinning until its probably too late.

That is a good point. I read "somewhere" that someone setup a light that came on when the fan cycled off. But, you'd have a light on anytime the temp was below the set amount...
Also, If I were to make an investment in this idea, I'd use a high quality set up like the Flex-a-lite brand.

Does eliminating the original fan increase a noticeable amount in performance??

The mechanical fans on any vehicle add resistance, draw power from the engine.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Not really, it's very minor.

Right, maybe 2-3hp and maybe .5mpg. I just want optimal cooling.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

On a related note, does anyone know what sort of amperage our trucks have to spare? Flex-a-lites have about a 20amp draw, but cheaper alternatives like the taurus fan have about 35amp draw.

Does anyone know of an alternator upgrade?

 

[scrubber3]

Pending how often the fan needs to come on, I think a lot of the amp draw could be on the battery as well. If no one has said it yet, there are many places that will rebuild the alternator to produce more amperage. I will say that it is best to go with a high quality electric fan. Especially if you pull the mechanical fan. Remember to fix the fan pulley to stay on without the actual fan.

 

[eurosonic]

On a related note, does anyone know what sort of amperage our trucks have to spare? Flex-a-lites have about a 20amp draw, but cheaper alternatives like the taurus fan have about 35amp draw.

Does anyone know of an alternator upgrade?

+1 on this qs.

Wondering how the alternator will hold up when driving at night with headlights, spot lights, accessories plugged in, etc.

 

[chino]

i got a ford contour double fan in my 1995 i put it in 2 years ago no problems so far i don wheel anymore i only need one fan on it keeps it cool at all times

 

[Monterorider]

If you are planning on jungle bashing trips and worry about reliability I'd stick to OEM setup. Replace you clutch an be set. All serious bush vehicles Land Cruisers, Patrol, Rovers, Pajeros notwithstanding have clutch setup. Mechanical = very reliable unless your are talking about 2 decades old truck. Pajeros proven themselves in desert don't mess with fine setup. Suppose simple case you alternator goes out from all those water crossings and piranhas stuck in alternator windings. With mechanical clutch you would be able to drive for possibly hours on good battery alone (main draw would be your fuel pump). I've done that! Add 30 amp draw from fan, you'll be down in no time. There is almost zero hp loss until clutch engages. With fan drawing 30 ams - that's got to come out of somewhere guess what it's your engine. Between generating efficiency, voltage drop, and heat loss you will be talking same 1 or more hp off the engine HP. Stick to well engineered machine.

 

[scrubber3]

To keep my engine compartment a bit cooler, I added a heat louver to the hood in the form of a small tasteful "hood scoop". Cutting the hood made me cringe at first but to me the heat that escapes out of there is a fine trade off.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Good points Monterorider.

Scrubber, any quantifiable results or just the theory of the design? Is your hoodscoop the kind that welds or tapes on? I've seen pics of your engine bay, does the scoop allow water into the engine compartment?

 

[scrubber3]

Good points Monterorider.

Scrubber, any quantifiable results or just the theory of the design? Is your hoodscoop the kind that welds or tapes on? I've seen pics of your engine bay, does the scoop allow water into the engine compartment?

The theory of the design was to place it in a position above an area that has an open space as it will allow some water through it. There is a screen to keep some out, but I am sure more water gets in there from the bottom when it rains than through the louver I made. With the fan producing the air movement to cool the radiator, I thought it would benefit would come from placing it in a position most likely to let some of the hot air escape when wheeling slowly and let cooler air in when traveling at highway speed.

The scoop was originally designed to tape on. I pulled that crap off and used 3m 5200 marine sealant to adhere it to the hood. (this stuff doesn't let go one bit) once I let it cure for 72 hours, I painted over it and it looks like its part of the hood itself.

When on the trails these past to trips, I noticed the temperature gauge staying lower. I also noticed it felt cooler under the hood when I raised it up at our stops. (something I am in the habit of doing to help keep it cool in there) I've never had any cooling problems, but I tend to be proactive in these matters....

 

[SOFpirate]

I haven't put any louvres on my Montero yet, but I've also had them on previous rigs.

My 73 Suburban had a set that were moderately sized and tasteful, and one summer in Vegas I unknowingly ran all summer long without any coolant whatsoever. Not until late in the summer did I realize that the truck was running a little warm, and then refilled.

So, louvres work. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.