Thread: Going to throw my viscous unit in the bin - Going electric 300Tdi

Get a falcon EL fan,I got one from the wreckers for $20 and it bolted straight on. Pat

Just check the length of the fan blades on the Falcon EL fan as they may need a little shortening,not much

Originally Posted by garrycol

Thanks for that - I am surprised there is not a version that does away with the VC but has an electric clutch (like there is on A/C compressors) that switches the fan off and on. The clutch would be operated by a thermo switch.

My 1963 Fiat 2300 had one. A bit of a jolt when it cut in at 5000rpm. Viscous is much smoooother.

Originally Posted by UncleHo

Just check the length of the fan blades on the Falcon EL fan as they may need a little shortening,not much

Mine didn't,I just screwed the old one off and screwed the new second hand one on. Pat

Seems to me that big fans are needed on 300Tdi's mainly to force air around all the standard obstructions, including the shroud and fan itself. My viscous fan has lived behind the seats in 8inch extended cab of "97 build Defender 130 - in case it is needed since I changed the timing belt 3 years ago. Have 105 degree temperature sensitive switch in cylinder head that wire to fuel solenoid on injector pump goes through. Will only overheat and stop when no airflow from vehicle movement through radiator or very little when air temp is warm and motor working and producing a lot of heat. Very rarely occurs if driver is aware of possible problem - have had it stop only once. Note diesels are more efficient than petrol motors and for the same power output less heat goes through the radiator and exhaust.

I have done several things to reduce obstruction to air flow through radiator and allow it to get away more readily. Have not yet got around to reinstalling air conditioner condenser but compared with original new one is thicker, has coarser fins - less prone to blockage and easier to clean and connected with flexible hoses to allow leaning it forward to also allow easier cleaning. Importantly, it will only go in front of radiator, NOT INTERCOOLER which should cool air as much as possible.

The standard Defender 300Tdi fan shroud to me looks like an aerodynamic abomination regarding airflow through the intercooler especially. Without it,air can go straight back down the left side of the motor. Probably more much of the time than with the standard fan and shroud.

I have enough room to instal two electric pusher fans between the radiator and grille. Stays to bonnet lock removed after difficult to reinstal bolts fell out. Piece of angleiron under light metal it is mounted on seems satisfactory instead. Maybe would be handy to have electric fans, but best if they are very easy to instal and remove. Seems to me that they would be substantial air obstructers when not switched on, so often when present they would have to be used. Conversely, if not there are not necessary most of the time. Note viscous fan can be removed or installed easily if no shroud in place. Desirable to have some sort of guard as blades come higher than top of radiator. One option would be to modify shrould so it can be removed /replaced in pieces.

Anyway, I probably will not reinstal a fan unless /until the air conditioner condensor is replaced, which presently is very low in my priorities of mechanical jobs. Meanwhile, my viscous fan presumably remains in good condition.

From another post - I have bought an AU ford electric fan set up and a TM2 to control it. I will fit it this weekend; at less than 200-00 for the lot if dont like it I will go back to viscous and still have the TM2 so in my opinion a win win situation

From what I can gauge from the nay sayers it appears that it is the control of the fans rather than the fans themselves, the TM2 is very accurate, easy to install, easy to adjust and you dont have to cut any hoses to fit it

Originally Posted by blitz

From another post - I have bought an AU ford electric fan set up and a TM2 to control it.

Do you have a link to this? I can't see on their site where is can control thermo fans, unless I'm onb the wrong site.
I bought a Falcon thermo/shroud unit yesterday for another car, and I'm looking at ways to wire it up.

contact Engine Watchdog - Mark on 07 32776770

when ordering it you need to specify that you want relay leads for an external relay fitted, also you will have to disconnect the buzzer as this unit is made as a warning system so it has to be disconnected or it will come on every time the fans operate

Mark was very helpful with all of my questions and thoughts regarding the TM2