Anyone removed clutch fan and replaced with electric?

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Helihover

Finally a before and after!

I just recently pulled the fan on my little (200 hp) car. Huge difference. Pretty much everything said above plus my mpg went up around 1 mile! That's what I'm shooting for is mpg. My goal is 30mpg in my small car.

What car are you talking about? My 91 318is would get 30mpg city and 38ish on the highway before the turbo.

The mechanical fan really is a pretty big drag on the engine, and I'm sure has a negative effect on the water pump bearing over time. But as far as temps go, the computer should have no problem. If anything the Efan will keep the engine cooler than the mech fan because the mech fan changes rpm with engine speed... the Efan does not.

[Helihover]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

What car are you talking about? My 91 318is would get 30mpg city and 38ish on the highway before the turbo.

The mechanical fan really is a pretty big drag on the engine, and I'm sure has a negative effect on the water pump bearing over time. But as far as temps go, the computer should have no problem. If anything the Efan will keep the engine cooler than the mech fan because the mech fan changes rpm with engine speed... the Efan does not.

It's in my sig. M52tu28 in an E367. I'm right around 27mpg right now. Vanos repair in the next few weeks, then exhaust, intake, new plugs, and that will hopefully get me to 30.

[bcredliner]

The engine thermostat will keep the engine at the same temperature as before. Since I retained the original shroud the cooling sensors located there remain functional.

Since I have already eliminated the possibility the EF will not cool enough that leaves the possibility the fan cools the engine faster than the CF did. That's fine.

The EF temp controller is adjustable. I have it set so that it turns on just before the electric pusher fan was activated to supplement the previous CF fan. The controller has a temp probe that is inserted in the radiator fins. It doesn't have to be in contact with coolant because and error can be corrected by adjusting the EF controller.

The engine thermostat coupled with cooling fan(s) is intended to keep the engine at the level of efficiency BMW desires. That determination is based some number of factors, like mileage, emissions etc., maximum HP is not likely attainable with the OE thermostat. Now that I know the EF cools better than the CF fan I will check if there is a lower temperature thermostat which quite likely will further increase performance.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Since I have already eliminated the possibility the EF will not cool enough that leaves the possibility the fan cools the engine faster than the CF did. That's fine.

You will be fine... as you said the thermostat and ECU will take care of over cooling. And if your efan is as good as the efan on my car (granted different setup) then you WILL be over cooling. At 110 ambient, my efan can cool the engine to 180 degrees in traffic.

[bcredliner]

Yesterday, I drove into Dallas by a round about route. The drive was 40 miles each way. My speed for a few minutes was 40-55. The rest of the time I was driving around 75 with some short bursts to 80-85. Some of the same observations--It takes less gas pedal to run a specific speed. It is very noticeable at speeds 70 or more. Initial pedal response is better at all speeds.

On the way back I ran into a traffic jam. It was stop and go for 5 miles. I had the transmission in manual and only shifted into second a few times.

Temperature stayed normal throughout the drive.

The amount of time the fan runs when the engine is off is not a factor. There is no need to change how the fan is wired. I have not had to change the thermostat control dial.

I think the fan is doing everything I hoped it would do. I am very pleased with the results and would certainly do it again. As to the question is it faster? While I don't have any verification, I believe it is. It is harder to tell at lower speeds because acceleration is rapid either way but going from 70 to 80-85 seems faster.

Improved mileage was not a goal but next time I am out I will check mileage and post the results.

[Sarek]

I ran the e46 manual trans radiator puller fan and expansion tank in my 3.0 . Works great . Just had to mock up some mounts for the radiator and modify the lower hose. No issues and I run it hard.

[bcredliner]

Update. The electric fan is performing flawlessly. It's great!!!

I am still adjusting to how much less pedal is needed to maintain a given speed but that's a good problem to have.

I am convinced the change has had a positive impact on performance. I have yet to check the mileage but I will soon.

In retrospect, it is something that I should have done long ago. I thought about it many times but put it off in favor of other mods.

Will do one more update.

[TiAgX5]

Good to hear Brian.

I'll keep you in mind when I do my TC guides at 200k miles. I may go with an electric fan.

[bcredliner]

Final update.

I have been checking the mileage since the install. The improvement has varied between 1.5 and 2.2 mpg. I haven't made a trip running a tank through at freeway speeds. I suspect the improvement would be a smidgen better. As with past installs, I am very pleased with the results.

I will provide an update if I have a problem associated with the fan or if it should fail. Feel free to PM me if you decide to make the change and need some help.

[bugbyte]

Hey Brian,

Is there a way to set the thermostat to kick in for few minutes after the ignition is off? I think this would required a micro controller to achieve this setup. Just a though.