I've got three questions about fans:

1. Why does my engine fan run a lot at idle or when I first start it up?! It will do it sometimes, but sometimes it won't kick over until after I have the engine started for a few minutes idling. It is like 15F when I've been starting it cold. Is there a computer update for ECU or something?

2. Why is the engine fan plastic? My 1999 had a metal fan... I'm thinking it's easier to turn and gives more hp? Less weight? Better design?

3. Is there also an electric fan on these trucks? If not, could I keep the engine fan and add an electric fan? I'd probably just have an off/on switch in the truck and mark it as AUX FAN or something... since it would probably never kick over with the engine fan going if I got a thermostatically controlled fan. Or if it did, it would only be under heavy load or very hot days.

 

Fast idle at startup is normal.
Electric fan kits are available. Just bought one from ebay for $250 shipped, kits elsewhere are going for $350+

 

I know the fast idle is normal... but what about that fan clutch kicking in it is idling or when I start it up? To me, there shouldn't be a reason for that fan clutch to kick in unless I've got the a/c going or it is too hot. It shouldn't be kicking in at 15F when I first start it up... I'd think it would defeat the purpose of the truck idling high to 'warm' up.

I'm super confused... lol

 

well the oil and clutches in the fan are very cold, and stiff, so they are going to do that untill they warm up. Here is what you need to do:

 

Looks awesome... so I take it that just the radiator uses the engine fan for all the cooling needs.

I like your setup, it looks clean! It also looks like working on the engine would be a breeze with all the added room. Looks like another mod soon!

Thanks!!!

 

well and the ac compressor and tranny cooler. Yes it gives me a lot more room.

 

Sounds good enough for me!

 

I am amazed that a brand-new truck STILL uses a clutch/belt fan....I don't even know if it's a cost thing, since electric fans are probably pretty cheap to buy in bulk, I'd imagine....I had my suspicions from the tv ads which show the engine by itself, with what appears to be a fan clutch on the front....

My '92 starts, even cold, with lots of fan noise and activity, but, as the clutch itself warms up, it eases off. This to me is even sillier than the notion of having belt-driven fans at all, since it prolongs the time needed to warm the engine up.

I'd say converting to electric is a great idea, but on a brand-new truck, what about the warranty?