Electric Fan Update?

[RMBaiada]

Does anyone have an update on the best, quietest electric fan to install in my 1974 2002 (VIN:4223665) to replace my mechanical fan? The posts I found on BMWFAQ were 8 to 10 years old (or more), and I assume that there are better, quieter fans available today that someone could recommend.

 

So far, I think that I need a 2 stage, S blade fan with air flow of 1,500 CFM or higher and as big as possible (14"?). Is this correct?

 

Any suggestions? Does a 14" fan fit between the 2 hood latch supports?

 

My plan is  to install a pusher fan in front of my 12" x 14" AC condenser (CN12X14 purchased from coldhose.com) and my high cooling rate radiator (A17111102621 purchased at wallothnesch.com).

 

For some reason, my completely rebuilt engine and new tropical 400 mm fan does not provide enough clearance to the new radiator, and instead of spending time figuring out why, the better plan seems to be to pull the mechanical fan and go with an electric fan.

 

Thank you,

Michael

Edited July 19, 2020 by RMBaiada

[tzei]

Can't help with specifics but i'm big fan (uh?) of Spal fans. They have em pretty thin end efficient. Look those up. In any case go with some known quality brand. I have binned one from evilbay. Was noisy and didn't last that long. Learned my lesson.

[Vicleonardo1]

SPAL: Hands down! 

Honest on Specs and virtually bulletproof.

More CFM=Louder and more power/amp draw. 

Pusher in the front: 

Roundies: Room for 12"

Squares: Room for 14" 

I have no idea if what puller fan to use in the back and which fan thickness would work. (Lots if information here) 

Shroud it if you can, increases efficiency. 

 

Be sure to know how much amperage your alternator/battery can take. Don't necessarily have to go for the "Massive"(shameless plug) CFM high amperage fans. Some offer mounting kits......?

Edited July 19, 2020 by Vicleonardo1

[RMBaiada]

What I am hoping is to find detailed information from someone who removed the mechanical fan and installed an electric fan on an air conditioned 2002.

 

I know that it is a lot to ask, but my questions include:

1. Which fan did you install (make and model)
2. What was the diameter of the fan
3. What was the max CFM
4. Was it a 2 speed fan
5. How much amperage did it draw
6. Did you ever have any temperature or AC cooling problems in hot weather (i.e., high 90s)
7. Is it very loud parked at idle or low speed driving

 

Finally, I believe that a 14" diameter, round fan will fit in front of my compressor.

 

Thank you,

Michael

Edited July 20, 2020 by RMBaiada

[Dudeland]

I put an A/C condenser in my 75. I am not sure that my 12" fan would move enough air to keep the car cool.  I am just using it for my A/C.  Also it matters a lot if you use a shroud or not.   

[Healey3000]

Hi,

 

I have an article in the tech section regarding a Spal install.  It might answer some of your questions.

[rcf925]

I went with a 12" pusher on the front of Radiator, I had an old BMW factory fan laying around, Not to loud. To be honest I rarely turn it on even on hot days, Just don't really need it. About the only time I run fan is when I'm idling in driveway doing some tuning

[RMBaiada]

Healey3000 and rcf925,

 

Was your installations of the 12" fan a replacement for the engine driven fan, or an addition to the original fan?

 

Michael

[rcf925]

Replacement for engine driven fan with aluminum radiator, Get a few extra HP without mechanical fan

[Healey3000]

Same here, I got rid of the mechanical fan.  With the WN high-flow radiator, I find that the electric fan rarely comes on.  I suspect that if you add A/C, this fan alone will handle the load.

[RMBaiada]

rcf925,

 

First, thank you to both you and Healey3000.

 

It sounds like Healey3000 doesn't have AC, but I am wondering if you do?

 

Also, do you use a PWM controller for less noise, variable speed, soft start and less power draw?

 

Michael

Edited July 20, 2020 by RMBaiada

[rcf925]

No AC, Restomod, No PWM Controller as I hardly ever use fan, Just have fused relay with on-off switch

[Stevenc22]

Why doesn't your mechanical fan not fit? Are you missing the limiting strap on the motor mount meaning the engine is too far for forward.

[dlacey]

If you want to install this fan as a 'puller' behind the radiator in same location as the old mechanical fan then you still have a clearance issue as the water pump protrudes forward the same or even further than the plastic fan. 

Edited July 20, 2020 by dlacey

[RMBaiada]

Steven,

 

I think that the edges of the radiator surround are pushed backwards about 1/8", which I could probably correct. In addition, WN recommends a 360 mm fan (I have a 400 mm fan) for the high cooling rate radiator so I could probably make it work to give me about 3/8" clearance from the fan blade and the radiator core.

 

That said, the electric fan seems a better long term solution and now is the time to do it with everything apart.

 

From what I can tell, I should be able to use either a 12" or 14" pusher fan with 1500 CFM or greater. Also, I think that I would like to do PWM controller to reduce the load on the electrical system, and vary the fan speed to reduce noise.

 

Now if I could only connect with someone who has AC with this configuration to find out which fan (CFM, Amps, diameter, etc.) they used with no cooling problems, it would be great.

 

Michael