How to install an electric fan?

jfrabat · #1 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 04:56 PM

OK, so after my visit to the junkyard yesterday, I am now the proud owner of a '95 Ford Taurus 3.8L Dual Speed Electric Fan in very good condition. So now i am wondering how do I go about installing it (on a budget, by the way).

So, my first questions are:

1. Will I need a new alternator, or will the stock one suffice? I am considering ordering the fan control unit from http://dccontrol.com/ as it will reduce the amp consumption (especially for start up), and using a switch connected to a relay to be able to turn off the fan (for when crossing rivers and such), and I think I may not have to change it if I use this controller; any opinions? What if I do not use this controler but a regular switch to a relay? Will I need to replace the alternator then?
2. Does anyone have any experience with the dccontrol.com controller?
3. If I decide not to go with this controller, does anyone have any schematics on how to run the fan from a 3 position switch (for off, slow, and high speeds)?
4. How do I change the belt now that I will not be using the belted fan?
5. If I need a new alternator, does anyone have one to recommend? Mean Grean is out of my budget at this time... I know it is great and all, but I cannot afford it yet (keep in mind I am getting a rubicon express 4" lift next month, so I cannot afford both at the same time!).
6. What is the best way to attach the fan to the radiator? I have the origina Ford shroud (in very good condition), and I am planning on using it... I have seen some clips that are used to mount to the radiator itself; are those any good? If not, what is the best way to proceed?
7. What wire gauge should I use for the fan (in case I do not install the dccontrol.com unit, which comes with all the wiring needed)
8. If I do not go with the dccontrol.com unit, what would you estimate the total cost of the control to be (I am guessing 2 relays, one 3 positioned swithc, and some resistors to unload the electricity created when the fan is off and turning from the Jeep's speed, plus the wiring and whatever else I may have forgotten)?
9. Any other advice or experience you would like to share?

When I do go ahead and do the installation, I do plan to take many pictures and create a step-by-step process on how to mount this fan, so that others may follow it in the future (should they choose to mount it in the same way I will).

Felipe

jfrabat · #2 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 10:04 AM

No replies on this? OK, here is an easy question; to take the belt fan out, do I only take the blades and leave the pulley? Or do I need to take out the pulley as well?

currupt4130 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 11:38 AM

On the engine the fan unbolts from the water pump pulley. You have to leave your water pump pulley. I want to see some info on this as well though, I need to do it in mine so I can drop my hood line a couple inches.

LVRockCrawler · #4 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 09:53 PM

you should be able to remove the fan mounting bolts, remove the fan then re-mount the pulley (you may need shorter bolts) - this keeps the pully and belt in the original spot (if its typical of most engine setups) - as for the wiring - you can run it thru a relay powered by the acc. position (this should lose power when the starter is engaged...) - and then you can run an inline switch (3way toggle) to control the speed - there are also thermal switches and timers out there that are universal but can be adapted... just trying to remember all the things i did some 10 yrs ago or so on an old chrysler 440 hotrod i set up.... hope it helps!

Bounty__Hunter · #5 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 10:12 AM

For attaching my fan to the radiator, I used the bolts in the radiator used to attach the factory fan shroud. I used one of the factory upper holes on the ford fan shroud, and had to drill the hole in the shroud for the mount below that. For the opposite side, I used two small L brackets bent past 90º and bolted to the fan shroud, then to the radiator.