viscous-vs-electric fans

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spudboy

I wonder why no-one has developed an electrical clutch thingy like you get on your air conditioner, hooked up to a thermostat, for the main (engine driven) fan?

Seems like a reasonable idea to me. zero power drain when you don't need it. Full power once over 'x' degrees C. Can lock it out when doing water crossings......

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They have. A Horton Fan, but is air driven for use on trucks. Problem is when they lock in, they lock in. Theres no slow clutching effect so would be a little hard on components in a car with all that fan load instantaneously when engines at speed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spudboy

I wonder why no-one has developed an electrical clutch thingy like you get on your air conditioner, hooked up to a thermostat, for the main (engine driven) fan?

Seems like a reasonable idea to me. zero power drain when you don't need it. Full power once over 'x' degrees C. Can lock it out when doing water crossings......

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Our 4cyl Centura had one of these so I'm sure other cars had them too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LOVEMYRANGIE

They have. A Horton Fan, but is air driven for use on trucks. Problem is when they lock in, they lock in. Theres no slow clutching effect so would be a little hard on components in a car with all that fan load instantaneously when engines at speed.

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And when it comes on it sucks about 50 Hp, and usually comes on when lugging up a hill.
Just what you need, half way up a hill and all of a sudden you lose 50Hp.

Dave.