Technical > Installation Guide
Flex-a-Lite’s Electric Radiator Fan Install
Fan Appreciation
story by Phil Coconis
photos by Steve Temple
You won’t need to use all of this stuff, but it’s nice to know that it’s there. Note extra wire for options (not supplied with kit).
Why replace a perfectly well behaved engine-driven fan assembly? After all, this design has been around since the beginning of automotive time, and it’s proven itself a capable all-around performer in the field of keeping things cool under the hood. Truth be known, there are a number of good reasons.
First, if your truck is approaching four to five years of age or even older, there’s a chance that the original plastic fan is not in good shape. Take a close look near the base of the blades for telltale signs of heat damage — cracks that have started to appear. If so, then it’s broke and needs fixing.
If you do a lot of slow-speed off-roading, like rock crawling and stream crossing, or if an engine spends a lot of time idling, especially in hot weather (with the A/C on), an engine-driven fan often leaves something to be desired. It may have an inability to move high volumes of air at low engine speeds or it can’t be shut off, as long as the engine is running (a concern for deep water crossings).
Maybe you’re into performance or towing and don’t want the parasitic drag and subsequent loss of horsepower the engine-driven unit creates. You don’t need to be a racer to appreciate that less drag equals better fuel economy — we all could use more of that — but we can do without the loud drone that envelopes the vehicle when the fan clutch engages, such as on cold start-up or when accelerating away from a stop. And who doesn’t want to enjoy longer replacement intervals for water pump, easier serpentine belt replacement, and not even having to think about ever replacing the fan clutch again?
Consider putting this Flex-a-Lite Monster Fan 270 on your 1997 to 2003 Ford F-150, F-250 (non S/D), Lightning, Expedition, and/or Navigator (fans for other makes and models are as well, or you can custom install if necessary using adaptor brackets). It’s a cost effective and sensible replacement for the original system and helps eliminate the bogeys listed above. Now that’s the kind of monster you can appreciate.
Buy Flex-a-Lite Fans from www.4wheelparts.com.
1. Out with the bad. Using a special tool for fan clutch removal will get you to this point quickly and painlessly. |
2. An application chart on the packaging is useful for finding the kit you need — even if you don’t own a Ford product. |
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3. It’s important to install the Variable Speed Control in the correct place for your application. |
4. Routing the fan wiring is critical. Inattention to detail in this area will lead to a damaged harness and inoperative fans. |
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5. For slow-speed off-roading, two fans are better than one — especially if they unleash as much as 17 horsepower. |
6. Location, location, location — the key to correctly installing the fan control thermostat. A vinyl cap is provided to secure the ‘stat in its place. |
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7. In with the good. Seems almost a shame to bury this Monster behind a radiator, but that’s where it’s happiest. Use care here to avoid damage and to get the best mounting location. |
8. Attaching main power and ground wires directly to the battery is recommended for best performance. Of course, neatness counts in terms of future reliability, and this kit makes it easy to be neat. |
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9. A check at the A/C compressor led us to this spot for splicing in the A/C compressor positive signal wire. Use the splice connector provided or solder the wire in (as we did here). |
10. Variable speed control is just about ready for action. The ignition positive signal wire hadn’t yet been connected, but it would be necessary for automatic fan operation. |
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11. Ready for the last step before starting it up: installing the main fuse. Mount fuse holder assembly near the power junction box by the battery, but any secure, vibration-free spot will do. |