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