Hey guys, got my Flex-a-lite fans, #270 kit and was just wondering if you had any tips for installation. Really looking forward to putting them on and hopefully ridding myself of that stupid whistle I think my clutch and fan are making. I'd swear the clutch is crapping out, but regardless I want those fans. Are there anything that I have to be aware of before I screw up or something? Also, is it set pretty much to bolt/wire in and everything is set to come on at a determined temp or what?

 

The FL fans come with pretty good instructions. When having to remove them for supercharger install, I found that it is actually easier to remove the radiator if you plan to drain the cooling system. That is because it is easier to put the bolts in and get them tight. The fan does not come on at a predetermined temp...you set the temp on the controller. If you have or can borrow an infrared thermometer, that is the way to go, so you can get a pretty good read on the "turn on" temp.

Here is a pretty good set of instructions: http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/...iator_fans.htm

 

That was a good link you gave, a couple of good tips and pics. It did mention about a lower stat, did you or is that just a small suggestion? I may go ahead and drain the coolant, partly because I think my lower rad hose is going. It seems to be leaking sometimes, and then not. What about water pumps, or is that another small thing that you could do? Thanks for the help.

 

Your factory 'stat is a 192. I did change to a 180, but most tuners say don't go below that, since the engines are designed to operate best at 190! If it is too low, the engine will not come out of closed loop...meaning your fuel economy will tank and the engine will run way to rich. Maybe that was go into closed loop...whatever, I would not go below a 180.
I have not changed my water pump, but it is straight forward. Biggest issue is getting it out if it has been there for 6 years. Check a search and you can find what others say.
Good Luck

 

Cool, I don't think I'm going to change any of those anyways, just looking for suggestions to see their affects and stuff. Also found more articles on installing these, and by taking a little from each it seems easier and easier. Problem is that I don't have a lot of time, weekends are busy with my other car restoration and I need it all the time, no second car. Basically wanted to be fully prepared to go at 'er and have all the parts and knowledge for that day. I'm trying to track a thermometer like you say, so basically point thermo. and have it come on around 190 or 200? Also, I'm not a wiring guy at all, having it always done and never doing it myself, but I get pretty much everything except where to tie into the ignition so that it may turn on with the key and not when starter is active only, you know what I mean? Kinda like how the heater motor comes on if you only turn the key part way. I wanna make it function like it was a stock unit, and worry free. I don't want to wire wrong and melt something.

Really am pumped to get these on, as it's been soup up truck month around here, what with my 2003 lightning 3rd brake light and all, now the fans to replace suspected broke clutch.

Future mods may be some XM radio, as well as some new bigger tires come fall. Maybe a Billet grille too. Who know's. Thanks for all the help desperado from AZ, and anyone else wanna step in, feel free with some other ideas.

 

If you wire the FL fan according to their directions, it will operate exactly like a factory unit. It will run (when needed) for up to 30 seconds after ignition turn-off. It is not a wiring nightmare, pretty straight forward. I did mine in 3 hours or so. Good luck, keep us posted.
Here is mine:

 

I'm about to do this thing here and was wondering if soldering certain things or everything is needed. I've read alot of posts and sorry guys but the issues and questions I have have been beaten to death long before I joined, fresh perspective was needed I guess. Everyone has differing opinions on how it should go. I'll do it tomorrow and we'll see. My brother wires things, as well as my dad so they'll have their two cents too.

Soldering guys, that's what I wanna know about. Too many fire or blowing up stories in here, might be an old FAL issue. Like I said before, I'll keep ya's posted, with pics too.

 

Blue,
I'm in Windsor too, and will be installing my Flex fans soon as well, just waiting for a nice weekend. Good luck. Maybe you could send me your e-mail if I have any questions.

Norm

 

Norm, I'm just about to, within an hour or so so ya, I'll keep posted. I guess alot of guys on here from the area meet at Tim Horton's on Tec. road east near Lauzon parkway, look for us because I'll be there soon as well. For sure you'll see Neal with his white reg cab 99 flareside.

 

Done deal boys. They're in and working fine. We deviated a little from the instructions and soldered some things. It helped having a brother who has installed stereo's and fixed/ raced remote controlled cars. The fans turn on I think a little early, but we'll see when it's hot out. Didn't get much of a chance to see what they do, as I started at about 2:30 and ended at about 6:30, plus it's raining out. We got em in just enough to set up and go. I will hopefully post pics soon because of the place we located everything etc.

 

4 hours...not bad, when I do my Flex 270's, I'll also do U/P from ASP. Seeing your pics would help me see how you routed the wires.

Norm

 

ok, not sure how to add pics from my digital camera, tell me how if you can.

 

Norm, go to the owners gallery and look up my name BLUE20004X4 and you should see the pics there. Can't figure out how to post them in a message like this yet so go there in the meantime. Ask me questions if you want in the meantime.

 

Alright, here we go:

 

And the finished product: