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Aftermarket Radiator in CJ3a?

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by DanStew, Jun 16, 2009.

  1. Jun 22, 2009
    farm1810

    farm1810 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2006
    Messages:
    84
    Great point. I am just thinking that I might pick something up when climbing hills on the road at 40 mph. You are right, there are no freebies!!
     
  2. Jun 22, 2009
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    You can easily calculate the power required to turn the electric fan from the running current. Say, 20 amps at 12 volts is 240 watts. There are 746 watts for each horsepower, so maybe 1/3 HP is an accurate WAG.

    Realize that you have to convert gasoline to mechanical power and then to current to run the fan, so the conversion efficiency will be pretty low ... let's say it takes 1 HP at the crankshaft to run the fan.

    At some speeds, you're going to be ahead by running the fan directly off the engine. If you need more HP on the highway, the electric fan will help ... but I don't think you'll feel any gain. Maybe... My feeling is that modern cars with electric fans use them to boost fuel economy, not power. An electric fan likely helps the CAFE numbers, although it will cost more to run an electric fan if you are stuck in traffic.

    The viscous fan clutch makes more sense than the electric setup to me - runs fast at low speed, and free-wheels at high speed.
     
  3. Sep 23, 2009
    52m38

    52m38 Same jeep since 1980

    Cody WY
    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2008
    Messages:
    96
    I got one brand new late this summer. 3 core all aluminum with electric fan for 230$ off the net. here is the link that has the description and pics
     
  4. Sep 24, 2009
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
    Messages:
    4,460
    My experience with fans & radiators:
    1) a mechanical fan and a good shroud that covers the entire radiator will almost always work better than the electrics that rarely cover the entire radiator. This is especially so when running low speed off-road; 2) an aluminum 2 row will easily best a brass cored 4 row, just stay away from plastic tanks in favor of a completely welded unit, and 3) there is always the time honored bucket of water through the radiator technique-assuming you are wheeling someplace other than the desert. I have used this pretty effectively for 2A and 3B stockers in the distant past.
     
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