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Electric Fan Question...
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=38751		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Wesola78 [ Sun Jan 24, 2010 2:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Electric Fan Question...
I'm still thinking about an electric fan (or fans) for my Volare. I read someone's post on here about how their electric fan had "free-wheeled itself to death".
So what I'm wondering is, do electric fans keep spinning even when they are not "on", as in the engine isn't hot enough to need them? Does this "freewheeling" cause them to wear out?
My slanted Volare gets driven everyday, but I have a relatively short commute. Depending on which school I'm subbing at, maybe 2 or 3 miles from my house. The furthest distance I travel to a school is aroung 10 or 12 miles, but it's not bumper to bumper traffic.
Thanks for responding! :)
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Sun Jan 24, 2010 3:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Electric Fan Question...
Quote:
I'm still thinking about an electric fan (or fans) for my Volare. I read someone's post on here about how their electric fan had "free-wheeled itself to death".
That is likely not an accurate conclusion about what caused the death of that electric fan.
Quote:
do electric fans keep spinning even when they are not "on", as in the engine isn't hot enough to need them?
Yep, certainly; airflow through the radiator pushes the fan blades and causes them to spin. This is completely normal. Any good-quality electric fan is engineered and built to withstand many years/miles of this with no ill effects. All bets are off with cheap junk.
Author:  Charrlie_S [ Sun Jan 24, 2010 3:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Electric Fan Question...
Quote:
Quote:
do electric fans keep spinning even when they are not "on", as in the engine isn't hot enough to need them?
Yep, certainly; airflow through the radiator pushes the fan blades and causes them to spin. This is completely normal. Any good-quality electric fan is engineered and built to withstand many years/miles of this with no ill effects.
and can actually generate an electrical voltage. Disconnect the alternator, and use the fan to charge the battery. :)
Author:  olafla [ Sun Jan 24, 2010 3:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
I am installing an electric fan in my Aspen. I've had electric fans in cars for ages with no problems, they usually have multiple closed ball bearings to run on. I shudder every time I lean over a running engine with that unshrouded fixed original fan running inches away from body parts, you saw this?
Olaf.
Author:  Eric W [ Sun Jan 24, 2010 9:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
I've read that a good electric fan set up is from a Ford Taurus, not sure of the years though.
Author:  Aggressive Ted [ Sun Jan 24, 2010 11:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
Wes,

I have been using a ProComp 16" fan off eBay for 4 years now. I drive it every day with no problems. It is hooked up to a light so I know when it comes on. When not in use driving down the freeway the light will glow from the electricity being generated while it is free wheeling.

My entire conversion was less than a $100. No probes of goofy sensors......I used a GM temp switch screwed into the radiator and a Bosch relay and my own circuit with two switches and one light. One switch to activate the system and one for manual over-ride.

Driving those short of distances it will warm up pretty quick with out the fan constantly blowing on the engine. I really like that feature on cold winter mornings.
Author:  Wesola78 [ Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:41 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the responses guys! :)

Ted, I would like to see some pics of your setup.

Thanks again!
Author:  Aggressive Ted [ Mon Jan 25, 2010 11:49 am ]
Post subject: 
Wes,

Just click on the red link below my name for pictures. Once they come up double click on them for full screen slide show mode.

Let me know if you need the wiring diagram or part#'s.
Author:  kman [ Mon Jan 25, 2010 5:31 pm ]
Post subject:  waiting for parts
Mighty fine looking machine.
Author:  Aggressive Ted [ Tue Jan 26, 2010 1:12 pm ]
Post subject: 
kman,

Thanks! I have applied much of what I have learned here from the board members. Tuning the SL6 is a fine art given it weighs 3600 lbs. with a full tank and has the 2.76 gears. I never new these engines could provide so much spunk with just a few minor mods. and consistently get good economy. :)
I thought 18 mpg was about it for this car but, found that it could be significantly improved. :) :) :)
Getting it up to temp quickly and keeping it there has helped mileage the most. The electric fan mod. heat deflector mod. and a 205 degree stat has kept mileage consistent during the winter months.
Author:  Wesola78 [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yeah, that is a nice lookin' ride Ted! I used to have '74 Dodge Dart Swinger like that one when I was in High School, and for several years after that. Mine was red, and originally had a 318 though.
How is your fan attached to your radiator? Did you use those mounting things like the ones that come with tranny coolers?
Also, I'm guessing that I would no longer need the fan shroud with an electric fan, what do ya'll think?
Nice car, and thanks for posting!
Author:  Aggressive Ted [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
Wes,

Yes, I just used the straps that came with the fan. It has been in there four years now and works fine. If you have a shroud, I would use it.
Author:  slanty6 [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 2:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
Wes, you might want to do some accurate measuring before buying an aftermarket fan. I could only find one (a Derale) that was slim enough to fit on my car (1974 satellite)- those slants are long engines. If your just driving across town with it as you stated then an electric fan is ideal. I know mine draws 23 amps running and when your caught in traffic in the summer with it the voltage drop starts to become a bit of an issue.
Author:  Wesola78 [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 3:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the response.
Yes, I will definitely do some measuring before I buy an electric fan.
Ted, if you could email me the wiring diagram, I would appreciate it.

Wesola78@yahoo.com

When you get a chance.
Thanks!!!
Wes
Author:  Aggressive Ted [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 3:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
Wes,

Sent! The Pro Comp fan is very thin 3.20" deep and only draws 8.5 amps at 2200 cfm. I looked quite awhile before finding this one. The Volare radiator is also thinner (has more room) than our stock 74 radiators. I trimmed a little off the mounting surface to create even more room. For short runs the fan may never come on especially during the winter. My drives to work, (over 65 miles) it would never come on unless traffic came to a stop on the freeway. It usually comes on during heat soak about 5 to 10 minutes after you shut off the engine.

You can slide the fan up to the top so there is even more room.
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