NZConvertible

I feel the same way as you. I like electric fans, but the stock fan works perfectly because it was designed to. If/when the clutch dies (inevitible I guess), I'll probably go electric, but I see no need to change in the mean time.

Black13B

iTrader: (1)

overhaul? how do you mean?

FD alternator (higher amps) $150
New battery (if required - usually is NOT) $100
4 gauge and 10 gauge wires for better grounds $15
connectors for new ground wires$5
------------------
$270

the most (roughly) you need to spend to have a totally healthy charging system..

sure the charging system is BAD on them, but it doesnt take much at all to get it up to snuff..

unless theres something im missing that you could point out..

NZConvertible

You've just spent $270 overhauling your charging system. That's exactly what I was talking about. How many people go to those lengths just to run an e-fan. Not many...

Black13B

iTrader: (1)

it shouldnt be to just run an e-fan

i dont know about you, but i dont trust having ONLY a 65 amp alternator powering everything. ive seen pup motor's that power trailer hydrualics at work with the same size alternators. the only responsibility those alternators have is to recharge the battery during running. a stock FC alt i feel is already too stressed on a stock system.

i have a rebuilt stock alternator, and headlights + wipers + radio (stock radio) + parking lights + foot on the brake = low low low voltage. AND that was all before i had installed an electric fan..

the first thing i planned on doing to my FC when i got it was installing a better alternator, regardless of if i had an e-fan or not..

$270 is not alot of money, especially considering you wont have to worry about FC electrical issues anymore..

NZConvertible

You're right, but not many people go to those lengths (and cost) until it becomes a problem when the e-fan is added.

Another point is that it's the battery that actually is used to supply the electrical system, and the alternator recharges the battery. As long as you add as much electrical energy to the battery as the electrical system (and your add-ons) draws from it, you'll be fine. An electric fan draws a lot from the battery, but if it's run by a thermoswitch, it only runs for a short time, so the alternator can keep up as it's always charging the battery. If it's run constantly, the alternator is having to work harder all the time to keep up.

J-Rat

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, I may go E-Fan someday, but on days like today, when its 104 degrees, and my engine stays cool, its sure nice to have a clutch fan.

Black13B

iTrader: (1)

thats all true

i would like to get a thermo switch, but for now i run it all the time via a main switch hardwired to the battery.. i will have this done soon, but for now rather than risking anything, i run it all the time..

the alternator will have to work hard to keep up, but not too hard.. during day (all loads off with only e-fan) my voltage reads the same as if i have just my headlights on..

now with my stock alternator, at night with all loads AND an e-fan, im worried to let it idle for too long.. i need a bigger alternator that can supply voltage and keep up with all the electrical loads.. as i said, i feel its stressed to begin with and i would recommend a different alternator (higher output) even it was bone stock.. an e-fan is definately another big load to cope with, so i wouldnt recommend it with a stock alternator..

but i never really mentioned that, because i was planning on getting a bigger alternator in the next week or so..

the simplist way to put it:
FCs should have higher amp alternators. they sometimes have trouble even keeping up with the headlights and wipers and radio, and pressing the brake. an e-fan is like another set of headlights.. do you feel YOUR alternator is going to be able to keep up with it?

something everyone should ask themselves before doing the mod.

NZConvertible

Amen to that!