Enthusiast III
I'm thinking about switching my 07 4Runner Factory (Clutch) radiator fan to an electric Flex-A-Lite fan. Would like any feedback on this.
Flex-A-Lite Electric Fans
- Thread starter AKBushDag
- Start date
Never been a fan of Flexalite.
Whatever fan you choose, just make sure you pay CLOSE attention to CFM's and compare it to what your OEM mechanical one pulls. I found over the years that you have to spend $$$ to get a fan that will pull proper air to cool your engine.
Some cheaper alternatives are Ford Taurus and Windstar fans and I believe there is a Volvo setup that also works well. Google will be your friend. If you don't mind JY hopping, it can be a great money saver.
Whatever fan you choose, just make sure you pay CLOSE attention to CFM's and compare it to what your OEM mechanical one pulls. I found over the years that you have to spend $$$ to get a fan that will pull proper air to cool your engine.
Some cheaper alternatives are Ford Taurus and Windstar fans and I believe there is a Volvo setup that also works well. Google will be your friend. If you don't mind JY hopping, it can be a great money saver.
Enthusiast III
Traveler III
Enthusiast III
Influencer II
Don't have any direct experience but went on an overland trip with a tour operator last year and they were very much against aftermarket electric fans. Too many failures and overheating issues apparently. There again I'm talking about headed out into a 48C desert.
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Enthusiast III
Thank you! So far, it looks like an aftermarket fan is not the way to go. I live in Alaska, so overheating is not a real concern. I was hoping to be able to actually keep the fan off when the weather got really cold. The more common practice is to put a "Winter Front" over the radiator which blocks/prevents the fan from pulling air through the radiator, that works but takes more power away from the engine.
Influencer II
I guess that's a very different scenario! Does the extreme cold affect the electrics? For water crossings you can tie off a clutch type fan to stop it spinning but I don't think this would be a good thing to do for any period of time.
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Enthusiast III
I've been in about -25 F and no electronic problems so far. Of course, I do have a "Battery Blanket" to keep the battery warm. Currently using the Factory lead/acid battery but will be switching to dual AGM batteries. They will probably still need a Battery Blanket to keep them at max output, but they won't freeze and crack as with a lead/Acid battery.
Enthusiast III
OK - I did some research on the electric fan question for overlanding. There were a few individuals who were happy with them, but the majority of folks that had used them were not satisfied. They reported problems with their engine overheating and also the motors on the fans failing. The final decision maker for me was one individual who explained that the Military does NOT use electric fans on their vehicles. He went on to explain how todays modern clutch fans are very efficient (albeit noisy) and extremely Reliable! So for me... No electric fan. Thanks to all who responded.
