Fan clutch frustrations

[jaluhn83]

Again, got to disagree with that one. You will lose effective power and I'd expect to see a 5-10% decrease in fuel economy. It take a lot of power to spin that fan, especially at higher rpm. I'd be you're talking 10-15hp at 2500 rpm. If you're cruising down the freeway that's just wasted power.

 

[dmaxjoe]

http://www.thetruckstop.us/forum/showthread.php?12265-DIY-Fan-Clutch-mod This is what I did 3 yrs. ago no problem in 42,000 mi.

 

[Black dawg]

Again, got to disagree with that one. You will lose effective power and I'd expect to see a 5-10% decrease in fuel economy. It take a lot of power to spin that fan, especially at higher rpm. I'd be you're talking 10-15hp at 2500 rpm. If you're cruising down the freeway that's just wasted power.

The fan does use up power, but the added airflow cools the intake charge (intercooler) more. Before I locked up the clutch, I could feel the motor get more crisp when the fan clutch partially engaged. With the clutch solid, it is happy all the time.

 

[FORDF250HDXLT]

Do you find the windstar fans do ok? I know I switched to electric on my offroad truck and it makes all the difference in cooling. Really tempted to try in on the tow rig.

besides ok.im not too sure (i do remember it has happened) when the last time i saw them running for a solid 2 minutes at a time was (iv got an indicator light in cab.) normally they'll come on when going up a steep hill for example,for approx 30 secs to a minute tops i guess? then right back off.
here in Maine we have very quick,steep hills for the most part.this helps big time im sure.

 

[franklin2]

Again, got to disagree with that one. You will lose effective power and I'd expect to see a 5-10% decrease in fuel economy. It take a lot of power to spin that fan, especially at higher rpm. I'd be you're talking 10-15hp at 2500 rpm. If you're cruising down the freeway that's just wasted power.

It depends on the truck's setup. When I had the c6, I would agree with you somewhat, but now that I have the zf with the overdrive, the locked fan on my truck works great, since it barely sees 2000 rpm going down the interstate with the 4.10's and 35 inch tires. I can't even hear the fan roar till I get above 2000 rpm.

I used angle iron brackets to lock mine to the clutch mounting bolts on the pulley. That way it has less chance on coming unscrewed when you turn the engine off.

 

[pennsylvaniabo]

It depends on the truck's setup. When I had the c6, I would agree with you somewhat, but now that I have the zf with the overdrive, the locked fan on my truck works great, since it barely sees 2000 rpm going down the interstate with the 4.10's and 35 inch tires. I can't even hear the fan roar till I get above 2000 rpm.

I used angle iron brackets to lock mine to the clutch mounting bolts on the pulley. That way it has less chance on coming unscrewed when you turn the engine off.

Any pics?