Cooling fan decision, please help

Topic: Cooling fan decision, please help (Read 2497 times) previous topic - next topic

Cooling fan decision, please help

February 26, 2005, 12:16:45 AM

Okay first and foremost, is it okay to run a couple of days w/out a cooling fan? It's going to be in the 40's or so and I don't do much stop and go driving, mostly highway. So am I okay without one for awhile assuming I don't get stuck in traffic?

Secondly, are there any electrical cooling fans that will bolt right up to my 87 3.8? I know I'll need to do wiring, but I just need it to fit. Wiring I can do, fabricating a mounting system, I cannot. I'd prefer the cooling fan(s) be from a vehicle that came with them stock and not an aftermarket setup. Ideas?

Re: Cooling fan decision, please help

Reply #1 – February 26, 2005, 08:13:46 AM

As long as the temp stays below 210* or so I dont see a prob... Aactually 230*-240* won't hurt it as long as you have a good pressure cap, but I would shut it down if it got over that. The Turbo Coupe fans would likely fit and cool a 3.8, but you'll have to figure a wiring plan. On the TC the upper operates with the AC and when the temp reaches 210*, lower is basically a assist fan that kicks in if the temp reaches 225*. It has a 7 blade fan and is rather loud, upper just has 4 blades.

Or you may get a single fan from a '87-'93 4 cyl Stang they are fairly large and would porb cool a 3.8... Then there are later Stangs, Taurus, etc that have electric fans...

Re: Cooling fan decision, please help

Reply #2 – February 26, 2005, 04:00:14 PM

My car used to overheat, I later found it was almost out of water(I used to be car illiterate). I used to just shut it off at lights and things and I would stay above 60 mph by takeuing the freeway everywhere..

Re: Cooling fan decision, please help

Reply #3 – February 26, 2005, 08:21:47 PM

I wouldn't run it without some sort of cooling fan especially on a 3.8l but to each his own.

Re: Cooling fan decision, please help

Reply #4 – February 26, 2005, 11:06:42 PM

I picked up a 14" electric fan today. It's a Hayden. Wasn't as bad to install as I thought it would be. Seems to work pretty well with the adjustable temperature relay. It set me back 70 bucks total.

Re: Cooling fan decision, please help

Reply #5 – February 26, 2005, 11:30:29 PM

Quote from: amooset

with the adjustable temperature relay.

those exist?
me not know of such an animal

Re: Cooling fan decision, please help

Reply #6 – February 27, 2005, 01:23:08 AM

Quote from: jcassity

those exist?
me not know of such an animal :dunno:

It's basically just a thermostat in line w/ the fan. It resembles a relay which I why I called it one. It's adjustable from 32-230 degrees fahrenheit. I don't know why you'd have it turn on at freezing temps, but you could...

Re: Cooling fan decision, please help

Reply #7 – February 27, 2005, 02:13:11 AM

some 3.8 owners would still blow a headgasket even if they could run at 32 degrees.

Re: Cooling fan decision, please help

Reply #8 – February 27, 2005, 08:10:41 AM

Quote from: jcassity

those exist?
me not know of such an animal :dunno:

i got one to. got it from abc before they went out of buisness.

Re: Cooling fan decision, please help

Reply #9 – March 03, 2005, 12:08:19 AM

James Duff Enterprises makes one for Ford Rangers / Bronco II's. They work great and can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/674nb
Scroll down about half way. He also has the necessary switches for the install. Not sure if it would work in a cat or bird, but its worth checking out. Duff makes some great stuff it you are a Ranger / Bronco II fan or owner.

Re: Cooling fan decision, please help

Reply #10 – March 03, 2005, 01:28:47 PM

Well i run a elc fan off a FWD v6 something,
I have it on a switch and when on the hwy i can drive with out it in the winter and leave it off to help heat up the motor and then use it when need be.

I have a V8 with 4 core rad, With little 3.6 u can do the same thing and call it good if u want or use a relay.

As for driving with out a fan, its not bad in the winter but if u stop moving for any lenth of time u can over heat even if its -10 out side when there is no air moving past the rad to cool.

So be carefull.