Pusher fans?

[gr8dain]

Does anyone use an electric fan to push air through the radiator? I may have a blown fan in my dual fan set up. And if I need to replace, I would like to mount a pusher fan between the radiator and the grill as I have NO room in the engine bay. And before you suggest it, a mechanical fan won't fit. That is why I installed the dorman electric fan to begin with.

Thanks for any suggestions. I am going to browse the summit website but wondering if anyone has already done it and has suggestions.

 

[Hedgehog]

DRAT! I was itchin' to push for putting the mechanical fan back in, but you beat me to it.

 

[GARGOYLEJEEPER]

Never used one, but have installed a few.
On my 7 I can not do it, because that is the position for the AC Condenser.
Will be installing a Contour dual fan, later this year, need to find a cheap running replacement vehicle so I have transportation first, before I can tear apart my truck.

 

[IOPort51]

I am a big fan of electric fans and the push works as well as a pull. there was also not enough room for the fans on the inside. I control them with a thermo switch threaded into the block that triggers two 40A relays so power comes from the battery. I do think I need to vent the hood but have not taken under hood temps yet to see if there is a problem.

 

[Hedgehog]

Make sure the fan is well grounded, the partial solution to all jeep ills is proper grounding, even if it doesn't use electricity......

 

[gr8dain]

DRAT! I was itchin' to push for putting the mechanical fan back in, but you beat me to it.

You were the reason I added that section to my post. ;-). I have read your thought on the subject.

Here is what I have in there now. The dorman dual fan for a contour. It is tight to say the least.

 

[gr8dain]

I am a big fan of electric fans and the push works as well as a pull. there was also not enough room for the fans on the inside. I control them with a thermo switch threaded into the block that triggers two 40A relays so power comes from the battery. I do think I need to vent the hood but have not taken under hood temps yet to see if there is a problem.

That is what I need right there. Did you build that support frame? Which fans are those? 10"?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

A couple of things to think about when considering electric fan replacement.
1 They are noisy
2 You will need to up grade your OEM alternator to a higher amp model.
LG

 

[Neuner]

Mine came with a large single electric fan attached to the inside of the radiator from the PO. I installed a thermal switch to regulate it.

The temperature on my engine does pretty well since I mostly DD and I don't have a winch or any other obstructions to wind flow. It only kicks on if I sit at a stop light for a long time in hot weather and while sitting after the drive. LG is right in that it is loud but it does move a lot of air.

 

[gr8dain]

A couple of things to think about when considering electric fan replacement.

1 They are noisy

2 You will need to up grade your OEM alternator to a higher amp model.

LG

I admit it is noisy. But I am paranoid and like to know that I can hear it when I shut the Jeep off. I really don't hear it (well barely) while idling.

I did not know about the alternator issue. Hmmm.

 

[7D8CJ]

I also am using the Contour fan setup with a Flex-a-lite controller. Fits well in the tight area. I'll post some pics when I get there.

 

[IOPort51]

That is what I need right there. Did you build that support frame? Which fans are those? 10"?

yes and yes

 

[IOPort51]

I admit it is noisy. But I am paranoid and like to know that I can hear it when I shut the Jeep off. I really don't hear it (well barely) while idling.

I did not know about the alternator issue. Hmmm.

that old 4 bladed fan was pretty noisy too.

 

[gr8dain]

yes and yes

I would love more details on your set up if you could. I am thinking I might need to do the same. Is that aluminum that the frame is made with? Bolted together?

 

[IOPort51]

I would love more details on your set up if you could. I am thinking I might need to do the same. Is that aluminum that the frame is made with? Bolted together?

It is aluminum and it is welded. I would think a frame could be fabbed from steel and pop riveted if someone gave it a little thought.

 

[gr8dain]

The rivets sound like a good idea. If I have an aluminum radiator, would it be a bad idea to use steel? I thought the two metals would react against each other.

 

[IOPort51]

If in doubt put some kind of insulation between the two but the aluminum is in contact with the body now is it not??

 

[gr8dain]

If in doubt put some kind of insulation between the two but the aluminum is in contact with the body now is it not??

True fact. It is contacting the grill. So yes it is. Duh.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

If in doubt put some kind of insulation between the two but the aluminum is in contact with the body now is it not??

My concern with steel to aluminum and vice versa is always the fact that they expand and contract at different rates. Not necessarily a problem but with radiator heat…….

 

[IOPort51]

My concern with steel to aluminum and vice versa is always the fact that they expand and contract at different rates. Not necessarily a problem but with radiator heat…….

good point, the 1/16" angle has enough give to deal with whatever flex is required and the only force would be forward and outward so no harm no foul as far as I can see.