Electric Fans Should I or Shouldn't I
 

Hey guys and gals,

Question here...Is the electric fan a good investment and is it worth the time and effort...I don't street race so I am not looking for a big power increase...mileage might be nice to gain...I know removing a 10 pound piece of flying metal will definetly gain me in both...Just wondering if it was worth it and what controls the fans operation...Is there already a place in the wire harness for a fan motor...I am just wondering about the total process...I know some of you out there have done the conversion...If you could let me know about this, the cost and the time involved...I am a good mechanic so installation is not a problem...just wondered if it was one of those get out the torch and the sledge hammer projects or does it retrofit without a bunch of mods...So any ideas here are welcome...I am kicking the idea around...Mine is nearly out of warranty so not going to cause any hassle there if it needs warranty work...So thanks for the help everyone...

Steve

Honestly I didn't notice much if any power increase, but my mileage did increase at least 0.5 mpg on my 4.2. The engine is much quieter any time the fan is not on.

I bought a fan designed for generic applications. Instructions in the generic kit were weak, but there was on an old thread on this site that told how to attach one wire that needs to be 'hot' all the time for the thermostatically controlled on/off switch into a red wire off of your MAF. The fan motor itself is a heavier gauge wire straight to the battery. I also spliced into the AC compressor so that the fan turns on anytime the compressor is on.

Renting the clutch fan wrench to take the old fan off was a PITA - local Pep Boys store never had there's in so I had to drive 40 miles and they gave me one that was the wrong size. Grrr. It's an easy job but it did take longer than I thought it would getting the fan clutch wrench and also lining up the generic fan brackets to get the best fit on my radiator.

BTW, I ordered my fan from Summit and it was delivered less than 24 hours later - much more convenient than hunting junk yards for used Ford fans from Crown Vics, etc....

I am thinking about an electric fan for my 2001 Screw, since I am about to add a 3"body lift...that will lower the fan shroud on the radiator by 3 inches.

I contacted FLEXiLITE (spelling) fan company and they indicated that they will have a "BOLT-ON" unit for Fords in a couple of months....it is already available for Chevys.....I guess I will go that route.

It is supposed to have all direct-connect wiring and be thermostatically controlled with an override switch to turn it on or off manually....works for me!!

HI!... Here's mt set-up from "HPP" :

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...4-793-7163.jpg
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...4-793-6935.jpg

i added my flex-a-lite unit for the same reason as you, the body lift. i have the flex-a-lite kit that youre talking about (but for older trucks). it works great, it is controlled by the thermostat but has a switch to turn it on manually, just like you said. i love it, works great. as far as power gains, that was minimal if any.