H3 E fan

[cgalpha08]

So im looking at getting an e-fan setup for the 3 and i have a couple questions.

1. Does it really cool better than the oem fan?

2. How hard of an install is it, meaning how much modification is necessary to install it?

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[Paladine71]

I've had a PCMforless efan on for almost 15 months or so, here is my assessment.

It will keep your rig at 1/2 temp gauge for all temps up to about 90 degrees even in hard driving. Above 90 degrees, driving moderate, it will run a little hotter, up to about 3/4 gauge, unless you use AC. If you engage AC above 90 degrees, it will slowly climb towards the top of the gauge. It seems to free up hp a bit and improves mpg some, but is loud when on and you're going slow. At speeds above 20mph or so, your tires will overtake it and you won't notice as much. The hotter temps is why I'm looking to vent my hood (and I don't like having anything about my rig "fake").

Installation is not too difficult. You will need to remove your mech fan, shroud and radiator (temporarily of course) to install it. You will also need to reflash your PCM to run the fan. I am no mechanical expert, so I watched a mechanic friend of mine do the installation. I also installed a cutoff switch to kill the fan when desired (water crossings, going through the gate when driving on base, etc.)

 

[cgalpha08]

Thanks for the assessment James. Would you say overall that its an improvement to OEM?

PCMforless has a shop near me so ill probably go to them for the install. I did read on their website about the re-flash thats why ill just take it to them.

SolidusJ what are your thoughts on the e fan?

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[Paladine71]

I'm torn on it. If the hood louver doesn't help with the cooling, I'll go back to the stock fan.

 

[cgalpha08]

I think that pretty much settles it for me, ill probably stick with the stock fan. I read somewhere that the stock fan (clutch driven) moves more air than the e fan.

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[ReconH3]

From passed experience, clutch fans are more efficient than e-fans. I put an e-fan on my TJ and promptly went back to factory one.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

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[cgalpha08]

Hmm i am seeing more pros to the OEM clutch now than the e-fan. Ive been running hot, thats why i am making inquires. Gunna flush the system and check the t-stat.

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[SolidusJ]

Thanks for the assessment James. Would you say overall that its an improvement to OEM?

PCMforless has a shop near me so ill probably go to them for the install. I did read on their website about the re-flash thats why ill just take it to them.

SolidusJ what are your thoughts on the e fan?

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Nothing but good things to say about it but it was a pain in the @$$ to find the right pin for the E-fan on the PCM, they should of posted a better picture by now for the location. Only thing is I need to do what Paladine71 did with a kill switch for when crossing water. With the install that hardest part is removing the fan and that it's really simple, just go to auto zone and rent a fan clutch tool an if pops right off. Yes it is loud but that's how you know it's working and other will think you have a leaf blower under your hood. As you seen on my 5,000 LBS pull over 1,3XX miles my speed with 60 MPH and the hottest I hit was 212 and on the trails I must say I stay pretty damn cool and if I really wanted too I could run the AC when on the trails.

 

[4u33er]

Anyone know the CFM of the PCM E-fan kit?

 

[IndyHummers]

I've heard pretty good things about them. They are very loud though.

 

[marshall@pcmofnc]

They are loud because they move a lot of air!

 

[4u33er]

What's the cfm compared to stock fan?

No electric fan can match the stock cfm can it?

 

[SolidusJ]

What's the cfm compared to stock fan?

No electric fan can match the stock cfm can it?

The E-fan can suck up a piece of white computer paper 4" away from the grill, never seen the OEM fan do that.

 

[bebe]

I asked Bill at Ron Davis this very question when they were developing the H3 Radiator.

He stated that the e-fans are about half of the CFM's of a mechanical fan. They are not necessarily for daily drivers either. Clutch fans like we already have are by far the best. He said ours (GM Clutch Fans) run 10-14Kcfm's. Not many e-fans can duplicate that.

Here is an FAQ I found on Flexalites site, that give a basic rundown of the facts.

I hope this helps

Flex-a-lite's Frequently Asked Questions:

What's does C.F.M. stand for ?
C.F.M. is an acronym for Cubic Feet Per Minute. This is the automotive industries standard for measuring air flow.

Why isn't there a C.F.M rating on your flex and clutch fans ?
C.F.M. ratings are based on constant variables, such as r.p.m and blade pitch angle. With direct drive fans neither of these variables are constant so a general C.F.M. rating is not assigned.

How much clearance do I need between my flex fan and radiator ?
At very least 1" from the closest part of the fan to the radiator. This inch allows for movement in your motor mounts, chassis flex, and of course flex in the fan.

What's the best type of fan to have on a vehicle that frequently tows ?
A good heavy duty clutch and clutch fan. This combination allows for the best air flow to fuel economy ratio.

Are component parts available for your electric fans ?
Yes, your point of purchase can order any replacement part you may need, i.e. fan blades and motors etc. You may also order components directly from Flex-a-lite with a VISA or MC.

When installing an electric fan how much of the radiator needs to be covered ?
We recommend 70% of the radiator core be covered.

How important is it to have a shroud around my fan ?
Very, one of the properties of air is that it likes to follow the path of least resistance. With a shroud you force the air to be drawn through the radiator instead of around it.

How far should I put my fan into the shroud opening ?
As close to half in and half out as possible.

Which type of electric fan is better, a pusher or puller ?
For primary use a puller. For auxiliary use a pusher.

Is there anything I can do to make my model # 150 a pusher ?
Yes, turn the blade over and reverse the polarity of the MOTOR WIRES. Note: the fan does not run as efficiently in a pusher mode.

Do you have any electric fans you recommend for my motor home ?
We recommend that you keep a mechanical fan for your primary cooling needs. For additional cooling we offer several auxiliary fans listed in our catalog.

When I drive down the road at 55 mph my car over heats, is this a fan problem ?
In most cases no, at 55 mph ram air cools the radiator. Check for obstructions blocking air flow through your grill and radiator.

How do I know if I have a standard rotating fan or a counter clockwise rotating fan ?
As a general rule 'V' belt vehicles are standard rotation and serpentine belt vehicles are counter clockwise rotating.

​

When are transmission coolers recommended ?

Mainly on automatic transmission vehicles that tow on a regular basis.