Thought I'd bring up how cool my replacement radiator fan is. Someone in the past removed the original clutch fan & replaced it with this aftermarket one. It basically sits on an aluminium bracket directly in front of the radiator. It doesn't come on until engine reaches running temp & comes on, acting as an auxilary fan. Also, can be operated @ will via a toggle switch under steering column to stay on as long as you want. What I like about it is it's ability to allow the engine to go from cold start to running temp very quickly, by remaining off. Besides being better for engine it allows heater to work more quickly for the early mornings in winter months. I start work down here in lower Vic @ 7am on the weekends so am :br: at around 6:30am. I'm sure others have similar set up but just thought I'd share the coolness
Be prepared for the masses of unskilled to come in and say how much thermo fans suck. (flame suit on) I had one setup on my car when I bought it, but it was a sub-par installation and sub-par fan, so it didn't work the best. I rectified it and now rarely get over 80deg, and in winter or on the freeway (even in summer) I won't get above 70. (nismo thermo, and pimpin awesome cooling system)
I hear you. But if they think about it. Clutch fans suck & I know of some manufacturers that have the stupid things cut in when engine is cold. How is that going to allow engine temp to rise any time soon? The quicker the engine temp rises, the better for the engine, especially in extreme cold climate. Plus, the heater is able to be used quicker to defrost your balls @ 6 in the morning
how much difference does it actually make? - have you tested running the aux fan from initial startup, to see how long it takes to get to a certain temp, vs not running it?
That's what the thermostat is for. It closes and water does not circulate through the radiator. (not much anyways) Doesn't matter how much you blow, engine will warm up anyways at the same rate
This man is on the money VERY LITTLE coolant flow gets to the radiator until thermostat is open. Effectively, warm up times are the same for clutch fan and electric fan. I was running a SPAL fan for ages, being able to maintain temps down to 73 degrees. Proper thermocouple temp and radiator restriction (flow rates) are needed to effectively run an electric fan setup. I ended up ditching mine to trial a clutch fan, it saps power, but less to fail (electrically, and mechanically with relays etc) which can result in costly engine damage.
Yeah your right. But the thermo/auxiliary fans cut in @ higher temps to assist the water pump-run fan in bringing engine temp down. Would this be taken into account with overall cooling, including warm up? I dunno. Good point. I just thought it had something to do with it as the Zed definitely heats up quicker than the V6 MX6 & the VX commodore we have. Dunno? Maybe the thermostats are set @ lower temps on these than other makes?
I know it has a ceramic resistor style set up which a copper hardwire runs to it from top radiator hose...... That would certainly be my only concern But this fan was on the car when I purchased it. Guess I just looked @ the bright side? I don't think there's room for a decent thermo fan along side a clutch fan? It is close now.
