Umair Gaines
Electric radiator fans are controlled by a thermostatic or manual switch and are more efficient than mechanical fans. They are also more costly. When choosing an electric radiator fan, it is important to consider the size of the fan and how it fits in your vehicle. The fan should cover as much of the radiator core as possible. Another factor to consider is the current draw, which will determine the airflow. The CFM rating on a fan measures how much air it will move, so a higher CFM rating will result in more airflow. Puller fans are generally considered better than pusher fans as they do not obstruct airflow when the vehicle is moving, but they require more space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric, Mechanical, Flex (hybrid of mechanical and electric) |
| Fan | Push, Pull, Reversible |
| Blades | Straight, Curved, S-shaped |
| CFM rating | Higher CFM rating means more airflow. The CFM rating depends on the engine. |
| Size | Should cover 70% of the radiator core. |
| Thermostat | Integrated thermostats are pricier. |
| Relay kit | Choose with or without a stainless steel electronic sending unit. |
| Power source | Engine crankshaft, Electric motor |
| Cooling efficiency | Puller fans are more efficient than pusher fans. |
| Noise | Curved blades are quieter than straight blades. S-shaped blades are quieter than straight blades. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric vs. mechanical fans
When it comes to choosing between an electric and a mechanical radiator fan, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, mechanical fans are typically used in older vehicles, while modern cars tend to favour electric fans. Mechanical fans are further classified as clutch or flex type.
One advantage of electric fans is their packaging. They are designed to mount directly onto the radiator, providing a compact and easy installation, even in tight spaces. Electric fans are also advantageous in terms of performance, freeing up maximum horsepower and improving fuel economy. This is because they do not rely on engine rpm and can provide constant airflow, even when the engine is idling.
On the other hand, mechanical fans can be beneficial in certain situations. When a vehicle is in motion, the airflow through the radiator can spin a mechanical fan, reducing the load on the engine. This effect becomes more pronounced as airflow increases with speed, making it useful for racing. Additionally, belt-driven mechanical fans can move more air at higher engine rpm, typically above 2,400 rpm, compared to electric fans.
When deciding between an electric and mechanical radiator fan, it's important to consider the specific needs of your engine and the available space for installation. Both types of fans have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your vehicle's requirements and specifications.
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Fan type: push vs. pull
When choosing an electric radiator fan, it is important to consider the fan type: push vs. pull. Push and pull refer to the direction of airflow through the radiator. A push fan sits in front of the radiator and pushes air through it, while a pull fan sits behind the radiator and pulls air through it.
One advantage of a pull fan is that it does not obstruct incoming air when the vehicle is moving, resulting in more air flowing through the radiator core. Pull fans also provide more effective airflow at high speeds due to their position behind the radiator. They have less impact on airflow than push fans, which can obstruct airflow at high speeds due to their positioning in front of the radiator. Therefore, pull fans are generally recommended for primary cooling, while push fans can be used as auxiliary fans.
Another factor to consider is the available space in your vehicle. Pull fans require sufficient space between the radiator and the engine, while push fans are suitable when space is limited. The diameter of the fan should also be considered, with larger fans providing more effective cooling. It is recommended to choose a fan that covers as much of the radiator core as possible.
The type of fan blades is another distinction between push and pull fans. Pull fans typically have curved blades, which produce less noise but move less air. On the other hand, push fans often have straight blades that move more air but generate more noise. The overall noise level of the fan setup can also be influenced by the design of the radiator, cutouts in the case, and other factors.
Some users have reported that pull setups are easier to clean since the dirty side of the radiator is not covered by the fans. Additionally, the difference in performance between push and pull setups is generally considered negligible, with only a slight temperature difference of around 1-degree Celsius. Therefore, the decision between push and pull fans ultimately depends on the specific requirements and constraints of your vehicle, such as available space, desired airflow, and noise constraints.
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Fan size and power
The size and power of an electric radiator fan are crucial factors to consider when making a purchase. Electric radiator fans come in various sizes and widths, and it is important to select a fan that fits the available space in your vehicle. Firstly, you should measure the radiator core and the distance between the radiator and the engine components. The fan should cover as much of the radiator core as possible, with at least 70% coverage of the core by the fan shroud. Larger fans will provide more effective cooling and prevent overheating.
The power of an electric radiator fan is measured by CFM (cubic feet per minute), which indicates the amount of air the fan can move. A higher CFM rating means more airflow and cooling capacity. The CFM rating you require will depend on the size and power of your engine. For example, a 4-cylinder engine typically needs a fan delivering between 1300 and 1600 CFM, while a V8 engine may require a CFM rating of 2800 to 4500 or higher.
Another factor influencing the power of an electric radiator fan is the type of blades it uses. Straight blades generally move more air than curved blades but produce more noise. Curved blades are quieter but move less air. S-blade fans are also an option and are marketed as being quieter than straight blades.
Electric fans are generally more powerful than mechanical fans and are more suitable for high-horsepower engines. They provide constant airflow, even when the engine is idling, and do not affect engine horsepower or fuel economy. Additionally, electric fans can be turned on and off as needed, further enhancing their efficiency.
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CFM rating
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, which is a measurement of airflow. The higher the CFM rating on an electric radiator fan, the more air it will move. More airflow across the radiator means more cooling capability. As such, it is recommended to err on the side of a higher CFM rating. The only downside to choosing a fan with a higher CFM rating is that it will be louder when running compared to a similar fan with a lower CFM rating.
The CFM rating you require will depend on the size and power of your engine. A larger engine will generate more heat and thus require more effective cooling. If you are using a turbocharger, supercharger, or have a larger engine, you will want the maximum CFM fan available. For a 4-cylinder engine, you should aim for a fan that delivers between 1300 and 1600 CFM. A 6-cylinder engine will need a rating of 2000 CFM, while a small cubic inch V8 engine will require 2800-3000 CFM. For larger cubic inch V8 engines, you will be looking at the 4500 CFM range.
Fan shrouds are also important to consider when thinking about CFM. A fan shroud ensures that air is moving through the radiator core and not around it. It is recommended to have at least 70% of the radiator core covered by the fan shroud.
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Additional features
One of the most important additional features to consider is the fan's CFM rating, which measures the amount of air the fan can move. The higher the CFM rating, the more airflow the fan will produce, and the more cooling capability it will have. For example, for a 4-cylinder engine, you should aim for a fan with a CFM rating between 1300 and 1600, while for a V8 engine, you may need a CFM rating of 4500 or higher.
Another factor to consider is the type of fan blade. Fans with straight blades move more air than those with curved blades, but they also produce more noise. If noise is a concern, you may want to consider an S-blade fan, which is designed to be quieter while still providing adequate airflow.
The size of the fan is also important, as you need to ensure it fits the space available in your vehicle. Electric fans come in a variety of sizes, so you should be able to find one that matches your requirements. It is recommended that the fan covers at least 70% of the radiator core to ensure optimal cooling.
You may also want to consider a fan with a thermostatic switch, which can turn the fan on and off based on the coolant temperature. This feature can help reduce power consumption and noise, as the fan will only run when necessary. Alternatively, some fans have a two-speed motor, allowing them to run at low speed until the coolant temperature rises, at which point they switch to high speed.
Finally, you may want to invest in a relay kit when wiring an electric fan. These kits can integrate with OEM wiring and offer hands-free control of your electric fans, allowing you to choose the on/off temperatures that best suit your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric fans are more efficient, freeing up power that would otherwise be used to turn a mechanical fan. They can be turned on and off as needed, and they don't affect engine horsepower or fuel economy.
Puller fans are generally more efficient as they pull air through the radiator core and don't obstruct airflow when the vehicle is moving. However, they require more space. If space is an issue, a pusher fan is a better option.
You should consider the airflow, measured by CFM (cubic feet per minute). The higher the CFM rating, the more airflow. You should also ensure the fan covers as much of the radiator core as possible, ideally 70%. Finally, consider the noise level, with curved or S-shaped blades being quieter than straight blades.
