Thread: viscous-vs-electric fans

Originally Posted by Dougal

I run a diesel, so water splashing doesn't scare me much.

You may have missed my point ... You don't want the fans to work when submerged because "Electricity & water don't mix"

Originally Posted by Dougal

You guys with spark plugs, I can smell the fear already.

.... I'll put more "underarm spray" on

Mike

Originally Posted by mike 90 RR

You may have missed my point ... You don't want the fans to work when submerged because "Electricity & water don't mix"

It's 12v. You can put your tongue on that.

Originally Posted by Dougal

It's 12v. You can put your tongue on that.

You can also ark weld with it too



Mike

Originally Posted by mike 90 RR

You can also ark weld with it too



Mike

Yes but you can't arc weld with water. You can however arc-weld under water. Showing that water has enough conductivity to screw with electronics, but not enough to electrocute you because your fan motors got wet.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvBG_Ly-2I8"]YouTube - Underwater Welding[/ame]

I think that if you are having overheating problems with electric fans you have a poor installation or faulty cooling system, first you need proper fans designed for the job, not some rubbish from a scrap yard that used to be in a Toyota Corolla, then it needs to be fitted well and controlled by a good thermostat.
I have fitted twin Kenlowe fans to my V8 discovery with a non Kenlowe (far superior) inline adjustable thermostat with all the relays sealed in a box and everything running heavy wire, even on a warm day I can't get the things to come on, they were fitted on a new radiator.
You have to look at your cooling system as a complete package, if you are overheating you need to investigate why, there are many reasons why you could overheat.
If you are off roading the viscous fan isn't going to do much until it locks up, steals your power and drowns out all conversation in the area, on the freeway the fan isn't needed but is still turning with your engine.
This comment isn't a reflection of any equipment used by members in this thread but I feel that you are turning your back on a very good piece of kit which if used properly does a very good job.

Originally Posted by Crackerjack

I think that if you are having overheating problems with electric fans you have a poor installation or faulty cooling system, first you need proper fans designed for the job, not some rubbish from a scrap yard that used to be in a Toyota Corolla, then it needs to be fitted well and controlled by a good thermostat.
I have fitted twin Kenlowe fans to my V8 discovery with a non Kenlowe (far superior) inline adjustable thermostat with all the relays sealed in a box and everything running heavy wire, even on a warm day I can't get the things to come on, they were fitted on a new radiator.
You have to look at your cooling system as a complete package, if you are overheating you need to investigate why, there are many reasons why you could overheat.
If you are off roading the viscous fan isn't going to do much until it locks up, steals your power and drowns out all conversation in the area, on the freeway the fan isn't needed but is still turning with your engine.
This comment isn't a reflection of any equipment used by members in this thread but I feel that you are turning your back on a very good piece of kit which if used properly does a very good job.

Whats a warm day though

We actually were able to take our jumpers off a couple of weeks ago

But really, temps in the mid 20's

When I get the fans to come on they do pump a lot of air, (I have to fiddle with the adjustable thermostat to get them to come on)

Originally Posted by Crackerjack

I think that if you are having overheating problems with electric fans you have a poor installation or faulty cooling system, first you need proper fans designed for the job, not some rubbish from a scrap yard that used to be in a Toyota Corolla, then it needs to be fitted well and controlled by a good thermostat.
I have fitted twin Kenlowe fans to my V8 discovery with a non Kenlowe (far superior) inline adjustable thermostat with all the relays sealed in a box and everything running heavy wire, even on a warm day I can't get the things to come on, they were fitted on a new radiator.
You have to look at your cooling system as a complete package, if you are overheating you need to investigate why, there are many reasons why you could overheat.
If you are off roading the viscous fan isn't going to do much until it locks up, steals your power and drowns out all conversation in the area, on the freeway the fan isn't needed but is still turning with your engine.
This comment isn't a reflection of any equipment used by members in this thread but I feel that you are turning your back on a very good piece of kit which if used properly does a very good job.

I used el thermo's which are sworn by a lot of people to be the goods. I had mine checked by a well respected (in our community) Auto electrician.
I had no issues before i installed the elec fans and none while normal driving or 4wding but as soon as i put weight on the back up went the temp. I seriously suggest if you do any towing not to go elec fans as mine is fine when viscous is on but not elec.
As for the elec fans pushing more on idle as a viscouse i say bull****. just my opinion.