Flex Fan Conversion How To/what needed

pooleo · #1 10-20-2010, 05:57 PM

So I plow with one of my rangers. It is a 96 4.0ohv 5spd 4x4 ext. cab.

My biggest problem last year was overheating. With the plow on it just blocks to much air. Of course the clutch fan was worn out and not functioning as when it was new.

So, Here is the parts list:

Flex Fan 18" - $35 http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par..._&newYmme=true

Clutch Fan Adapter - $55 http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FLX-851/

Flex Fan spacer 1 3/4" - $10 http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...7CGRP2061A____

RED Lock Tight - $6

The Radiator will need to be removed first.

Getting the clutch fan off was not easy. I had to use my sawzall to cut the nut off. If you do this, make sure to cut as close to the fan as posible. The threads on the water pump only stick out about an 1". So there is just enough room to cut clutch fan nut off.

It is then just an assembly of the pieces.

Lock Tite the threads on the waterpump. Screw on the adapter.

Assemble the Flex Fan spacer along with the Flex Fan, Lock Tite the theads on the bolts that go into the adapter.

Tighten everything down as tight as you can.

Reinstall the fan shroud followed by the radiator.

I have installed a pillar pod with oil pressure and water temp, my temp has dropped from 195 to 170 with this conversion. I have tested it with the plow on and all the way up and it runs a 180 steady.

This fan actually cools the motor down faster than it can keep hot.

The gauge will rise to 195, the thermostat opens, the temp instantly drops to 170. Once the thermostat closes, temp rises again, opens, then drops.

This does NOT effect the heat in anyway.

If you run a plow or are in a hot climate, I would highly recommend doing this swap.

Total cost was about $100 and is 100% more reliable than an electric conversion.

I also have NOT noticed any decrease in power from running a fixed fan, in my opinion it has more. The clutch fan must weigh about 10 lbs.

The flex fan setup probably comes in around 3 lbs.

sgtsandman · #2 10-20-2010, 06:11 PM

Any noticed increase in power or fuel economy? Supposedly a flex fan will give a little of both.

Nice write up by the way.

pooleo · #3 10-21-2010, 04:38 AM

It seems to actually have a bit more power. I have not checked mileage yet but will post when I get in a couple long trips.

With stock setup I was getting about 18 highway at 65

pooleo · #4 08-07-2011, 09:22 PM

bump! just wanted to bump this for the new guys

also, this was my first post.

Fredness · #5 08-08-2011, 09:38 AM

Just so you know, I've been running one for a while.
This is my GOOD (Get Out Of Dodge) vehicle, so I need 100% reliability.

1. A QUALITY (10,000rpm stainless steel) fan is not cheap.
2. It WILL increase engine noise (roar) and it will cause SERIOUS damage to anything in its way.

That being said, there is the potential for increased MPG, performance and bottom end torque.
I did this as it is the only relaible means to install a power pulley and not have cooling/AC issues at idle.

Still loving it. Power Pulley not installed yet...

richarddhoward · #6 08-08-2011, 10:58 AM

There is nothing wrong with a good installed electric fan. But these are simpler, easier to install and cheaper then an electric fan.

Flex-a-lite fans are designed to flatten out with engine rpm allowing less engine power to move them, at least the models I have seen. Also they are much lighter, also requiring less power to move them.

This is a great write up, although I would have loved to have seen more pictures as you went through the process.

Also, with the nut on the fan...it is lock-tited on from the factory. If you take a long 1/2 inch extension, or straight bar and place it on the nut, then you can whack the bar with a hammer on all sides and it will help loosen up the lock-tite allowing easier removal of the fan nut. I had to remove the one on my GMC when it lost a fin somehow, like was noted, if this comes in contact with anything, it will cause LOTS OF DAMAGE! Make sure you lock-tite the new fan on, or it can loosen, and as I found out...go through your EXPENSIVE radiator.

Fredness · #7 08-08-2011, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richarddhoward

There is nothing wrong with a good installed electric fan. But these are simpler, easier to install and cheaper then an electric fan...

Agreed, but people won't spend $200 for a "good" electric fan, they will pay $39 for a universal fan and complain when things go South - I see it ALL the time.

My big issue with electrics is the room needed, with the HD Cooling radiator upgrade in the ST, I had NO room for an electric, just a flex fan and a short spacer. The Black Magic fan had to be moved to the dirvers side and still had minimal clearance. The FF uses the factory shroud (better coverage) and has 2" of space in front of the blades, with more than an inch behind.

richarddhoward · #8 08-08-2011, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fredness

Agreed, but people won't spend $200 for a "good" electric fan, they will pay $39 for a universal fan and complain when things go South - I see it ALL the time.

My big issue with electrics is the room needed, with the HD Cooling radiator upgrade in the ST, I had NO room for an electric, just a flex fan and a short spacer. The Black Magic fan had to be moved to the dirvers side and still had minimal clearance. The FF uses the factory shroud (better coverage) and has 2" of space in front of the blades, with more than an inch behind.

I agree with you get what you pay for. The best thing is to buy the correct size and unit for your rig.

I also want to point out though that you can mount electric fans on the front of the radiator as well and make them act as pusher fans rather then puller fans. Or in tight squeeze situations, you can get an electric water pump, freeing up a ton of space for the E-fan.

timbits588 · #9 08-08-2011, 06:16 PM

is there any measurable mpg increase?

pooleo · #10 08-08-2011, 06:41 PM

no. I have not noticed any increase in mileage. If any thing it has stayed the same. Good trade off imo.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by richarddhoward

This is a great write up, although I would have loved to have seen more pictures as you went through the process.

meh, this was my first ever post on a forum

Quote:

Also, with the nut on the fan...it is lock-tited on from the factory.

I rented the tool and tried everything I could imagine to get it off, its just so dang tight in there I couldn't get it. Since I was replacing it anyway I just said F it and cut it off. I was fortunate I didnt cut the threads on the WP tho, it was pure luck I just missed it

richarddhoward · #11 08-09-2011, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pooleo

no. I have not noticed any increase in mileage. If any thing it has stayed the same. Good trade off imo.

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meh, this was my first ever post on a forum

I rented the tool and tried everything I could imagine to get it off, its just so dang tight in there I couldn't get it. Since I was replacing it anyway I just said F it and cut it off. I was fortunate I didnt cut the threads on the WP tho, it was pure luck I just missed it

Lol agreed you did get lucky

pooleo · #12 12-13-2011, 09:50 PM

bump for video

sgtsandman · #13 12-14-2011, 07:12 AM

What is that whining noise? The fan?

pooleo · #14 12-14-2011, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtsandman

What is that whining noise? The fan?

yup!

xsurvey8 · #15 05-18-2013, 02:39 PM

this conversion for 93 and greater models
i have a 92 does anyone know what i should do the plastic cluch fan is glued on one blade and cracking on another.

any suggestions are appreciated

92 ford ranger 4x4 extcab 4.0 automatic