Anyone removed clutch fan and replaced with electric?

[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.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by 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.

Not necessary to do anything special. That's how mine is wired. It is activated by an aftermarket adjustable electric fan controller. I have a temp sensor inserted in the radiator fins that the electric fan controller reads. Regardless if the key is on or off the electric fan will run when the temperature exceeds the setting.

When I turn the engine off after it has reached operating temp the fan continues to run until the temp drops below the temp setting. It takes about 2 minutes for that to happen. For the next 20-30 minutes the fan will come on for about 15-30 seconds about every 5-10 minutes until the radiator temp stays below the thermostat setting. Absolutely no problem with the battery.

Other wiring options are key on fan on, A/C on can be a secondary trigger or thermostatically controlled but stays off when key is off. Because Texas is so hot the best choice is as I have it wired.

The setting for the thermostat is adjustable. I have it set so the electric fan comes just before the OEM pusher fan kicks on.

[srmmmm]

[QUOTE=bcredliner;1013615] For the next 20-30 minutes the fan will come on for about 15-30 seconds about every 5-10 minutes until the radiator temp stays below the thermostat setting.

That's an item to remember when you're inspecting something under the hood after a run. A "Caution Fan" label comes to mind if you know what I mean, just to help you remember. At least it would help me remember, because your memory is the second thing to go...I forget the first!

It's been great to follow your progress on this and the information is appreciated. When I worked for a class VIII truck manufacturer, we considered a four electric pusher fan array to replace the mechanical fan, but determined the cooling requirements of a 12L diesel engine under full load would require some massive electric motors on those fans.

I don't know if you do any towing, but it will be interesting to see how your cooling performs transitioning from a high load operation period like a hard highway run in one of our 100+ degree days to idling in traffic. Looking forward to a follow-up next summer!

2002 X5 3.0 264,700 miles
2004 325i 116,500 miles

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

At least it would help me remember, because your memory is the second thing to go...I forget the first!

Wait. What was I laughing at?

[Bruce bakken]

I have used the "auto cool 85 a" from Auto Cool Guy. Works flawlessly with the electric fans on my 540 6 speed and the e53. It keeps fans on for about 30 to 40 seconds after engine is shut off. It's a pwm controller. Very easy install. Highly recommend for anyone doing fan delete.