Would a power electric fan replace the fan/fan clutch mechanism? I mean how much would that buy you MPG wise? Horsepower/performance wise?

 

Great suggestion. When I bought my truck it was getting about 17mpg and I was pretty excited. Then the weather started warming up as did the truck. Fan clutch was shot and threw a new one on and MPGs dropped down to the 14 range.

I have been planning to experiment with a Ford Taurus electric fan but its too damn hot outside to be tinkering with things that aren't necessary. Maybe in the fall.

 

If mine went bad again I would take the 50 bucks and put it toward an electric. Realistically you would maybe get 1-3 mpg, my truck got mid to high 15s when I got it til I found out I needed a fan clutch.

 

I do not really see how an electric fan could significantly increase the horsepower, unless it was one hell of a fan!

 

Keep us posted on the electric option. Even if it is only 1-3 MPG that adds up over time.

 

Really?
The clutch fan takes horse power from the engine, the more things the engine has to power to less horse power that gets to the road.
The more load on the engine the less the MPG, the truck came with 182 horse, the alt takes about 1 HP, water pump and free wheeling fan, about 2, a/c about 2 when it is engaged non when not engaged.
Again, more load means more fuel.
Remove the clutch fan and put in a electric fan that does not require engine power to run and you can save money.
You will only gain 1-2 mpg with the electric fan and depending on the cost of the e-fan and installation and how much you drive would determine if it will be cost effective or not.

 

OHmmm, that's 20-40 miles per tank full. I burn a tank a week, I'd get an extra day of driving with an electric fan. Might be worth looking into. I thought the clutch fan freewheeled at highway speeds when its warm. How much drag could that be?

 

Yes the clutch fan free wheels when not needed, but it still requires power.
The fan clutch is attached to the water pump, when the water pump turns it turns the fan clutch which also turns the fan, even when the fan is not needed.
It takes almost no power from the engine to turn the freewheeling fan but it does take some.
I really doubt you would see that much increase in MPG by switching to a e-fan, but it would be worth someone taking one for the team to find out.
Check your MPG for 3 weeks to get a average.
Install the e-fan, check MPG for 3 weeks to get a average.
Then tell us what you find.

 

I have seriously thought about it but have already replaced my fan clutch, I might look closer at seeing how cheap an e fan setup would be.

 

I'm getting somewhere around 7 Miles per gallon right now with no codes coming up on the Ultragauge. Driving home on the highway got me 160 miles before I had to fill up again. Best Ive ever gotten was 14 mpg with a running lean code, but then it overheated so...

31'' Tires, bumper, rack. nothing crazy