Eletric fans? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1980chevy4x4 · 11-20-2003, 07:33 PM

Is the eletric fan kit in the LMC catalog any good? I dont wanna spend $400 for a flex-a-lite...

cochino12 · 11-20-2003, 07:36 PM

I'm lookin at electric fans too, maybe if someone could list what they are using? I have also done searches but all I seem to find are pics and no brand or model #'s. Sorry 1980chevy4x4 don't mean to hijack you here.

79BIG10 · 11-20-2003, 07:53 PM

I got Hayden Fans from O'Rilley's with a lifetime warranty. Ialso got a controller as well but I changed that out for a manual switch. You can get them also at Auto Zone under the Imperial Brand? Same fans just different packaging. I used 14" universal ones and they work as a pusher or puller. I think the Hayden numer for the fans are 3680. Call up AutoZone and ask for universal electric fans 14" and you should be fine plus a lifetime warranty.

**swervin ervin** · 11-20-2003, 08:24 PM

Just be careful and don't cheap out on these things. Everyone should know my motto by now.

If not it's,

You get what you pay for.

**swervin ervin** · 11-20-2003, 08:24 PM

Brandon,

why did you go to a manual switch??

stan79chevy · 11-20-2003, 09:08 PM

mine is 4x4 and its good to shut them off in water and stuff

79BIG10 · 11-20-2003, 09:30 PM

I went with the manual switch due to the controller not working right for me. It would be coming on way too soon. So low temp it would get it outside it would come on. No matter how much I would adjust it it would still do that. So I'll replace it later and keep the manual switch. I wired it up to the battery since it would keep running when I shut the truck off if it ever got too hot. I could kill the truck and it would still cool down. But with the controller having a mind of it's own kicking on when it didn't need to (truck not ran for hours but hot outside) so I installed the switch and use it when I need it.

1980chevy4x4 · 11-21-2003, 12:00 AM

Whats better pusher or puller? Should i get 2 fans or 1?

87 Shortwide · 11-21-2003, 05:15 AM

I have seen more pullers then pushers...so I say pullers are better. and as far as numbers: two 10s will not flow as much as a 16, but two 12s will flow more than a 16. you should be able to put two 12s on which is the best idea...and I went with a shroud but a lot of guys dont, that is personal preference mainly.

PHOENIX · 11-21-2003, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by swervin ervin
why did you go to a manual switch??

Why not?

I went manual on my fan so I could have 100% control. Most days the fan never needs to turn on. If it was electric it would be kicking on way more then it needs to, and I dont like electric fans kicking on and off all the time. Just my personal pref.

79BIG10 · 11-21-2003, 05:10 PM

I'm with Eddie. I couldn't keep it from kicking on and off when it wanted to and not when it needed to. With the hot climate here in Texas it was on most of the time when it didn't even get past 200.

**swervin ervin** · 11-21-2003, 05:43 PM

Wrong kind of thermostat/sender. Get one that goes in the intake and you will not have to worry about any more.

cochino12 · 11-21-2003, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 79BIG10
You can get them also at Auto Zone under the Imperial Brand? Same fans just different packaging. I used 14" universal ones and they work as a pusher or puller. I think the Hayden numer for the fans are 3680. Call up AutoZone and ask for universal electric fans 14" and you should be fine plus a lifetime warranty.

I just called autozone and they had no idea what an electric fan is!! Called the other autozone in town and same old story " what year? v6? v8?, we only sell vehicle specific heater fans arrrghhh Guess I will have to just go in to get a damn price.

PHOENIX · 11-21-2003, 07:04 PM

They have them in the isle, not behind the counter, thats probably why they dont know what your talking about.

78SilveradoSWB · 11-21-2003, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cochino12

I just called autozone and they had no idea what an electric fan is!! Called the other autozone in town and same old story " what year? v6? v8?, we only sell vehicle specific heater fans arrrghhh Guess I will have to just go in to get a damn price.

Go to PartsAmerica.com which is the online counterpart for Shucks, Kragens, Checker, and Advance Autoparts. I believe they go for $63 each. You'll need to buy fan relays and thermostat too.
I believe the part number for Imperial is 226116. If they stock them in your local area, you can order online and not pay freight too.

**swervin ervin** · 11-21-2003, 07:40 PM

You guys are really starting to worry me with these $63.00 fans.

Remember, my motto.

PHOENIX · 11-21-2003, 07:52 PM

Mike, my fan was free

But its a good fan replaced under warranty, I know have a backup too.

cochino12 · 11-21-2003, 08:50 PM

I think I might give this a try this weekend.

Jackal2k9 setup

CT-Truckster · 11-21-2003, 09:58 PM

Well, you could always sell your wife and kids into slavery and buy a flex-a-lite fan setup like i did. I wanted to have a very clean and neat looking setup with a shroud, more than just a bare fan strapped onto the radiator. plus it's supposed to flow 4700 cfm's and is variable speed that kicks on at 60% and increases to 100% as the engine temp rises. the only thing i don't like(you think it would have this for the price i paid) is the temp unit just sticks in the radiator and i want it to be in the intake, so i guess i'm gonna have to figure out what i gotta do to get a temp sending unit that i can stick in the intake or the head. but i'm tellin you this damn thing is heavyyyy.
If Mikes motto holds true I've got the best damn electric fan setup in the history of mankind, lol.

**swervin ervin** · 11-21-2003, 10:17 PM

How many amps are the Flex O Lites rated at? A good rule of thumb is 1 amp for every 100 cfm. So you are saying these fans draw 47 amps?

CT-Truckster · 11-22-2003, 12:03 AM

well, it has a 40 amp fuse, so does that mean it will most likely only blow 4000 cfm's or less? Actually, it said it blows 4600 cfm. so 40 amps at 4600 rpms would pretty close to 8.7 amps per 100 cfm's. Does that sound about right? It seems to be pretty heavy duty construction, it's solid as a rock. It says it kicks on at 60% power to reduce the amp draw on the charging system when it kicks on. After 10 degres from your setpoint the fans will be running at 100%. So supposedly if the setpoint at 185 then at 195 it will be at 100% and supposedly vary the speed of the fans between 100% and 60% in that 10 degrees if needed. Damn i hope this 100 amp alt. I got is up to the task. Man I sure hope this fan's not a piece of crap, cause i paid like 360 bucks.... or i'll be a singing that song- If it was cool to be a fool I'd be the hippest guy around.

**swervin ervin** · 11-22-2003, 12:57 AM

From every thing I have read and heard about electric fans, they should be rated at around 1 amp (or a tad more) for every 100 cfm of air they move.

So, like my Spal fans, each one moves 1710 cfm. They have a maximum current input of around 19.7 amps.

The info that came with your fans should say how many amps they are rated at.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying your fans are crap. Far from it. I've heard good things about the Flex o lite fans. All I'm saying is the fan companys tend to overrate the cfm output of their fans. Don't believe it when you see ratings like 2800 cfm and they only have a 12 amp rating.

Oh, and don't feel too bad about what they cost. My Spal setup was $468.00.

Mike

CT-Truckster · 11-22-2003, 02:02 AM

dayum, heres what it says on flexalites website:

Mounting Surface Required
17½" x 27½" x 4"

Fan Diameter
Dual 13½"

Fan RPM @13.5VDC
Variable 1260-2100

Number of Blades/Fan Blade Angle
8/26°

Airflow-Cu. Ft./Min. at 0º Static Pressure
2760-4600

Amp Draw
16-28

Mounting System
Universal Bracket

Variable Speed Control 60-100%
(includes Adj. Thermostat & A/C relay)

I think i'll take it to work next week and see if i can check the cfm's on the HVAC guys Balometer? hood that they use to test the cfm output of hvac systems if it will read that high of cfms. it's an adjustable thing they stick up to a supply vent or whatever to test the cfm output. since this fan unit is shrouded i don't see why i couldn't wire it up to the truck battery and stick the hood up to it and see what it puts out.

87 Shortwide · 11-22-2003, 03:56 AM

geez you and your expensive fans....my two 12" fans and a fabbed aluminum shroud mounted up on the radiator and all was only $210.00

79BIG10 · 11-22-2003, 05:15 PM

I guess I got lucky with mine costing me about $180 through a friend's discount with lifetime warranty on everything.

Mike- What kind of sender did you get? I'd like that better than the one I have now.

11-20-2003, 07:33 PM	#1
1980chevy4x4 Got Mud? Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 361	Eletric fans? Is the eletric fan kit in the LMC catalog any good? I dont wanna spend $400 for a flex-a-lite... __________________ Dan Got mud?

11-20-2003, 07:36 PM	#2
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	I'm lookin at electric fans too, maybe if someone could list what they are using? I have also done searches but all I seem to find are pics and no brand or model #'s. Sorry 1980chevy4x4 don't mean to hijack you here. __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

11-20-2003, 07:53 PM	#3
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	I got Hayden Fans from O'Rilley's with a lifetime warranty. Ialso got a controller as well but I changed that out for a manual switch. You can get them also at Auto Zone under the Imperial Brand? Same fans just different packaging. I used 14" universal ones and they work as a pusher or puller. I think the Hayden numer for the fans are 3680. Call up AutoZone and ask for universal electric fans 14" and you should be fine plus a lifetime warranty. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

11-20-2003, 08:24 PM	#4
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Just be careful and don't cheap out on these things. Everyone should know my motto by now. If not it's, You get what you pay for. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

11-20-2003, 09:08 PM	#6
stan79chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: COVINGTON GEORGIA Posts: 477	i also have a manual switch for mine mine is 4x4 and its good to shut them off in water and stuff __________________ 79 chevy k20 350/350/205/D44/14bFF 4.56 gears rock LWB pimer black 01 S-10 ZR2 extended cab 4.3/4L60E/233 3.73 gear 31" DICK CEPEK CRUSHERS

11-20-2003, 09:30 PM	#7
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	I went with the manual switch due to the controller not working right for me. It would be coming on way too soon. So low temp it would get it outside it would come on. No matter how much I would adjust it it would still do that. So I'll replace it later and keep the manual switch. I wired it up to the battery since it would keep running when I shut the truck off if it ever got too hot. I could kill the truck and it would still cool down. But with the controller having a mind of it's own kicking on when it didn't need to (truck not ran for hours but hot outside) so I installed the switch and use it when I need it. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

11-21-2003, 12:00 AM	#8
1980chevy4x4 Got Mud? Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 361	Whats better pusher or puller? Should i get 2 fans or 1? __________________ Dan Got mud?

11-21-2003, 05:15 AM	#9
87 Shortwide Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Wichita Ks Posts: 536	I have seen more pullers then pushers...so I say pullers are better. and as far as numbers: two 10s will not flow as much as a 16, but two 12s will flow more than a 16. you should be able to put two 12s on which is the best idea...and I went with a shroud but a lot of guys dont, that is personal preference mainly. __________________ Daily Driver: 1992 Blazer dropped on rallys Project: 87 GMC shortwide, About to get a little boost

11-21-2003, 05:10 PM	#11
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	I'm with Eddie. I couldn't keep it from kicking on and off when it wanted to and not when it needed to. With the hot climate here in Texas it was on most of the time when it didn't even get past 200. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

11-21-2003, 05:43 PM	#12
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Wrong kind of thermostat/sender. Get one that goes in the intake and you will not have to worry about any more. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

11-21-2003, 07:04 PM	#14
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	They have them in the isle, not behind the counter, thats probably why they dont know what your talking about. __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

11-21-2003, 07:40 PM	#16
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	You guys are really starting to worry me with these $63.00 fans. Remember, my motto.

11-21-2003, 07:52 PM	#17
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	Mike, my fan was free But its a good fan replaced under warranty, I know have a backup too. __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

11-21-2003, 08:50 PM	#18
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	I think I might give this a try this weekend. Jackal2k9 setup __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

11-21-2003, 09:58 PM	#19
CT-Truckster ? Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dyersburg, TN Posts: 471	Well, you could always sell your wife and kids into slavery and buy a flex-a-lite fan setup like i did. I wanted to have a very clean and neat looking setup with a shroud, more than just a bare fan strapped onto the radiator. plus it's supposed to flow 4700 cfm's and is variable speed that kicks on at 60% and increases to 100% as the engine temp rises. the only thing i don't like(you think it would have this for the price i paid) is the temp unit just sticks in the radiator and i want it to be in the intake, so i guess i'm gonna have to figure out what i gotta do to get a temp sending unit that i can stick in the intake or the head. but i'm tellin you this damn thing is heavyyyy. If Mikes motto holds true I've got the best damn electric fan setup in the history of mankind, lol.



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11-21-2003, 10:17 PM	#20
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	How many amps are the Flex O Lites rated at? A good rule of thumb is 1 amp for every 100 cfm. So you are saying these fans draw 47 amps? __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

11-22-2003, 12:03 AM	#21
CT-Truckster ? Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dyersburg, TN Posts: 471	well, it has a 40 amp fuse, so does that mean it will most likely only blow 4000 cfm's or less? Actually, it said it blows 4600 cfm. so 40 amps at 4600 rpms would pretty close to 8.7 amps per 100 cfm's. Does that sound about right? It seems to be pretty heavy duty construction, it's solid as a rock. It says it kicks on at 60% power to reduce the amp draw on the charging system when it kicks on. After 10 degres from your setpoint the fans will be running at 100%. So supposedly if the setpoint at 185 then at 195 it will be at 100% and supposedly vary the speed of the fans between 100% and 60% in that 10 degrees if needed. Damn i hope this 100 amp alt. I got is up to the task. Man I sure hope this fan's not a piece of crap, cause i paid like 360 bucks.... or i'll be a singing that song- If it was cool to be a fool I'd be the hippest guy around.

11-22-2003, 12:57 AM	#22
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	From every thing I have read and heard about electric fans, they should be rated at around 1 amp (or a tad more) for every 100 cfm of air they move. So, like my Spal fans, each one moves 1710 cfm. They have a maximum current input of around 19.7 amps. The info that came with your fans should say how many amps they are rated at. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying your fans are crap. Far from it. I've heard good things about the Flex o lite fans. All I'm saying is the fan companys tend to overrate the cfm output of their fans. Don't believe it when you see ratings like 2800 cfm and they only have a 12 amp rating. Oh, and don't feel too bad about what they cost. My Spal setup was $468.00. Mike

11-22-2003, 02:02 AM	#23
CT-Truckster ? Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dyersburg, TN Posts: 471	dayum, heres what it says on flexalites website: Mounting Surface Required 17½" x 27½" x 4" Fan Diameter Dual 13½" Fan RPM @13.5VDC Variable 1260-2100 Number of Blades/Fan Blade Angle 8/26° Airflow-Cu. Ft./Min. at 0º Static Pressure 2760-4600 Amp Draw 16-28 Mounting System Universal Bracket Variable Speed Control 60-100% (includes Adj. Thermostat & A/C relay) I think i'll take it to work next week and see if i can check the cfm's on the HVAC guys Balometer? hood that they use to test the cfm output of hvac systems if it will read that high of cfms. it's an adjustable thing they stick up to a supply vent or whatever to test the cfm output. since this fan unit is shrouded i don't see why i couldn't wire it up to the truck battery and stick the hood up to it and see what it puts out.

11-22-2003, 03:56 AM	#24
87 Shortwide Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Wichita Ks Posts: 536	geez you and your expensive fans....my two 12" fans and a fabbed aluminum shroud mounted up on the radiator and all was only $210.00 __________________ Daily Driver: 1992 Blazer dropped on rallys Project: 87 GMC shortwide, About to get a little boost

11-22-2003, 05:15 PM	#25
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	I guess I got lucky with mine costing me about $180 through a friend's discount with lifetime warranty on everything. Mike- What kind of sender did you get? I'd like that better than the one I have now. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

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