elec fan & radiator

[METAL MONKEY]

long time reader, first time poster. I would just like to say hello to everyone first of all, but here's my problem.

i need to replace my radiator on my 95 xj because it has sprung a leak. this is the perfect time to upgrade without the wife complaining about doing it. i've been doing a lot of searches on here about radiators, and i think i'm going to get a Modine or a CSF from DPG. they seem to have the best prices. it just seems like too many people have been having problems with the GDI.

also, i need to replace my elec fan and shroud. i found a direct replacement at quadratec, but are there any other aftermarket fans that i could buy that would bolt directly in that would perform better?

any and all advice and opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Wiley Coyote]

I’m not sure about after market electric fans, but the ’96 and up use an improved design. The fan blades are s shaped and pull more air. They are a bolt on replacement, but you may have to modify your existing plug (don’t know when they changed plug style). They go for about $40 at junkyards. I’m looking for one to put in mine now, but newer wrecked Cherokees are hard to come by in AK. I also built modified the temp sensor to switch on the aux fan sooner (can adjust the on/off temp). It works like a champ and only took 20 mins to make. PM me if you want the instructions and pictures.

 

[Planetcat]

. . .
also, i need to replace my elec fan and shroud. i found a direct replacement at quadratec, but are there any other aftermarket fans that i could buy that would bolt directly in that would perform better?

I went through the whole flex-a-lite thing with my '96. The only thing left from the $500 and 6 hour ordeal is the factory electric fan. It's heavy duty, pulls a lot of air, and doesn't break under bumpy conditions like the after market fans. Get a newer OEM type. FYI, none of the "high performance" aftermarket fans will bolt directly in - you'll need to do some light fabrication.

 

[Jeremyvnc]

I was going to get rid of my mechanical fan in my 94 xj and might do it in my 96. For intructions on how to do it go to Cherokee America. It is supposidly going to bump up HP or Torque by taking away the drag of the fan.

EDIT: But it won't push the same amount of air.

 

[SnowyXJ]

Just in case anyone is wondering .. I've been sucessfully using a electric 4 blade very efficient 1986 Honda Prelude Si fan.. I pulled the fan and mounted that shroud on two pieces of bar stock and modified the one to be bolted into the spot where the fan shroud goes in the middle and made the other bracket hook over the radiator under the radiator support to the stud that's on the top of the radiator.. Granted.. this took about 30-45 min to make it work and then another 15 min to make it look pretty but it's very functional..

I use the stock '89 cherokee fan on the driver's side and I replaced the engine mounted fan with the prelude fan.. Normally most people could say.. Well.. you're just driving the car like normal.. But that's not the case.. I use the jeep for daily driving, where I only turn on one fan normally.. and it runs at 190-210 all day long or I tow a 16ft landscape trailer (3500 #'s) and usually load that up with anywhere from 2 - 5 motorcycles .. figure another 2,000 #'s easily.. I run that at usually 65-90 mph at probably 300 mile internvals or until I've got to stop for gas usually.. but.. I've never hit over 210 with the two electric fans and that's including being stuck in traffic for 4 hours going over the GWB (George Washington Bridge in NYC)..

The really neat thing about the prelude fan is that you can use one from any prelude from 1985-1991 and they usually only cost about $10-15 from the junkyard.. Just thought I'd let you know.

Bill..

BTW.. I'm still planning on swapping over to the open style system only because I can't stand not being able to easily check the level of the radiator..

 

[Planetcat]

I was going to get rid of my mechanical fan in my 94 xj and might do it in my 96. For intructions on how to do it go to Cherokee America. It is supposidly going to bump up HP or Torque by taking away the drag of the fan.

EDIT: But it won't push the same amount of air.

My only comment on the Cherokee America article is that the author really made the flex-a-lite 110 fan look like the best thing since sliced bread. It's not. I installed mine just like he recommended, and I broke 2 of them wheelin' on bumpy roads, where the blades jumped off the axis, got caught on the rad, and shorted out. I installed them correctly, too. I have to admit, without the belt fan, the HP and gas mileage really went up, but had to bail in the interest of not overheating while offroading due to a broken elec fan.

 

[METAL MONKEY]

Thanks for the input. I have been calling junk yards and such all day today and have come up with nothing. I have been able to find oem 6, 8, and 10 blade fans though. The cheapest 6 blade was around $120 from carquest, but I did find a 10 blade from a dealer for $160. Since I'm going to upgrade to a Modine or CSF, which fan would I benefit the most from. Also, should I get a Modine or CSF. I've seen good things about both, but are there any advantages to one or the other.

 

[Gojeep]

I replaced my mechanical fan with a 16" electric one as most will know and thought I would report on it after my trip. I am very happy with it and it now has been tested with three weeks of running along beaches and sand dunes in over 100*F temperatures towing my off road camper. One track further inland that was over 100 miles long called Goog's track crossed 300 dunes and with 100*F temps all the way with the trailer on back I never had a problem. Only once in the 6000 km trip did the engine temp rise enough that I waited for it to cool down and that was after 6 hours of running along dunes and beaches in 42*C temps or 108*F where I had the aircon on all the time. There was a stretch of beach that no one else had run and suddenly it became very soft. I was still in high range and didn't want to stop as was not sure I could re-start. I forgot to keep an eye on the temperature and still had the aircon on and after 20 minutes I noticed it started to get near the red. I stopped and shut down the motor and then the pressure rose and the water started to pump out. I should have left it running as learnt form the book mentioned that so long as you are not loosing water you are not at risk of doing engine damage. After fifteen minutes it a had dropped right back down and in low range and the aircon off the next 30 minutes back to camp on the same beach was fine.

See my site for all the install questions at http://go.jeep-xj.info

 

[Wiley Coyote]

Kind of off topic, but a couple of you have PMed me for instructions on the adjustable fan switch. I’m having problems sending the instructions and pics via PM. If you PM me with an email address I can send the instructions and pics to you that way.