Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest
| GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest [message #140931] |
Thu, 25 August 2011 13:48  |
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After reading all the posts here about fan clutch failures, noise and other issues which surround the stock fan, and the fact that I am satisfied that a GMC radiator can be cooled with the dual super coupe fan setup I derived which has been working for over a year now, I got to thinking what about a purpose built electric fan which would effectively cool the coach and be a relatively straight forward install in place of the stock shroud, and would only cycle on and off as needed adding to potential fuel savings.
Would there be interest in such a kit, and if so how much would one be willing to pay for headache free cooling?
73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
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| Re: GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest [message #140955 is a reply to message #140945] |
Thu, 25 August 2011 16:54  |
JimGunther
Messages: 228
Registered: March 2007
Location: West Haven, CT
Karma: 0
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I don't recall seeing ANY GMC with an electric fan set up. Howeevr, I think it would be an EXCELLENT upgrade.
Anybody done it? Please share your experience.
PS: I never thought engine driven fans made any noise until a few years ago when I changed from an Acura to a Lincoln. All those belts make a racket. This mod might solve a LOT of noise issues and eliminate one more "issue".
Jim Gunther
www.LotusV6.com
now former owner - ;(
73 GMC-II 2600
by Explorer
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| Re: GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest [message #140987 is a reply to message #140931] |
Thu, 25 August 2011 20:55 |
kingd
Messages: 592
Registered: June 2004
Karma: 2
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I've recently read that current GMC Yukons and Chevy Suburbans have electric fans. Do not know if that is for all GVWs and CGVWs. Might be something worth looking into for those thinking about going to electric fans. I was at the men's mall and they did not have any late Yukons or Suburbans so I have no idea what the electric set-up looks like.
JWITIK (LOL)
DAVE KING
DAVE KING
lurker, wannabe
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest [message #140998 is a reply to message #140931] |
Thu, 25 August 2011 21:27 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Shan,
Do you have an aluminum radiator?
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Shan Rose
After reading all the posts here about fan clutch failures, noise and other issues which surround the stock fan, and the fact that I
am satisfied that a GMC radiator can be cooled with the dual super coupe fan setup I derived which has been working for over a year
now, I got to thinking what about a purpose built electric fan which would effectively cool the coach and be a relatively straight
forward install in place of the stock shroud, and would only cycle on and off as needed adding to potential fuel savings.
Would there be interest in such a kit, and if so how much would one be willing to pay for headache free cooling?
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest [message #141046 is a reply to message #140931] |
Fri, 26 August 2011 07:38 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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Gene Dotson, GMC Motorhome Enhancements and home of the alum radiator, has
been working on this for quite some time. He has never been able to find a
combination that works as well as the OEM setup.
On Thu, Aug 25, 2011 at 11:48 AM, Shan Rose <defconfx@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> After reading all the posts here about fan clutch failures, noise and other
> issues which surround the stock fan, and the fact that I am satisfied that a
> GMC radiator can be cooled with the dual super coupe fan setup I derived
> which has been working for over a year now, I got to thinking what about a
> purpose built electric fan which would effectively cool the coach and be a
> relatively straight forward install in place of the stock shroud, and would
> only cycle on and off as needed adding to potential fuel savings.
>
> Would there be interest in such a kit, and if so how much would one be
> willing to pay for headache free cooling?
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Steve Ferguson
Sierra Vista, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest [message #141054 is a reply to message #141046] |
Fri, 26 August 2011 10:02 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Boy it's REALLY hard to beat a fan powered by a 455 cubic inch engine ....
Thermo clutches have time and time again proven to be the most efficient way to cool a vehicle and no electric fan made pulls as much air.
that said electrics are REALLY nice!
More room, no shroud etc
But also very $$$
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest [message #141064 is a reply to message #141056] |
Fri, 26 August 2011 11:04 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Rob,
I believe he stated earlier that he still has the OEM radiator. I've been reading his story with interest as, like Dan, I am no fan of fan clutches either. I would love to take 10 lbs of moving mass off of the water pump shaft and eliminate the ton of OEM shroud now in place. The difference in noise would be nice, but I've got a long way to go before I can start worrying about noise.
Shan is driving in the Los Angeles basin. It gets warm, not like the dessert, but warm enough. The real punishing thing about Southern California driving is the traffic and the terrain. It's hilly and frequently stop-and-go. An electric fan set up would cycle on when needed, and could even cycle on for the dash air. A higher capacity alternator and the updated wiring associated with it is shade-tree stuff, and mounting a fan kit is too. Many of the electric fan shrouds I've seen cover the entire radiator and have "rubber" flaps that allow air flow when the fan is not on, but close when the fan pulls enough air. If I'm not mistaken some curious fellow here put flaps on his fan shroud, though the results are lost to my poor memory.
These innovations ensure the continued enjoyment of my coach! I see the benefits of an electric fan as:
- Parasitic horsepower loss eliminated. The fan only draws horsepower when needed.
- Max airflow at any speed. The electric fan can draw as much air in traffic when idling as when moving down the road.
- Air conditioning around town? The fan can be made to kick on when the A/C clutch engages.
- Cool down. The fan can run on after the engine is shut off to help cool down the engine.
- Reduced weight. If I can't do it, maybe my coach can!
- Extended water pump life? Maybe. I had to replace 3 water pumps that later were found to have failed from a badly out of balance fan. Taking the clutch and fan off of the end of the water pump shaft can't be a bad thing.
- More room to work on the front of the engine. Even you lucky folks with split shrouds have to remove the shroud to do some tasks.
The benefits to staying with the OEM setup are compelling too:
- Ease of service anywhere you go. Everyone on the list knows how to work on the OEM setup, and parts are widely available.
- It works.
- Much more horsepower available to the OEM fan than any electric fan.
- More skinned knuckles. Nothing says "I've been working on my GMC" better than skinned knuckles.
As I see it we can't loose. The OEM setup works well. A well engineered electric setup would too. If Shan comes up with a good design folks here will buy it. My friend with the machine shop could certainly design and build a shroud if a suitable electric fan can be sourced. So it comes down to price. My punch list has been delayed by this and that but it would be on my list. Nobody is making it rich selling the the GMC community, but it feels great to be able to help your community.
I wish Shan well. I'd like to see this kind of kit available and if I can help, I'd like to. I have had to postpone fuel injection for over a year as other priorities have dictated, but an electric fan with the fuel injection computer in the mix could make for a much more modern coach.
Wow - I can blather on...
Larry Davick
The Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest [message #141082 is a reply to message #141064] |
Fri, 26 August 2011 13:05 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Larry,
I'm the guilty party who installed fan shroud vents and never reported on
them.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5567
Fact is, I've traveled little since installing them. And have not yet
installed video cameras to monitor their operation. When we have traveled,
the aluminum radiator and, maybe, those vents have kept the Cad500 right
were it seems to prefer, around 205*F with a 195*F thermostat. The last 600
miles round trip in 95+*F weather was the same; the fan RARELY come on and
only at low speeds.
One day I'll find the time, ambition, and cool enough working conditons to
video the vents' operation at road speed.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Fri, Aug 26, 2011 at 12:04 PM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:
> ... Many of the electric fan shrouds I've seen cover the entire radiator
> and have "rubber" flaps that allow air flow when the fan is not on, but
> close when the fan pulls enough air. If I'm not mistaken some curious
> fellow here put flaps on his fan shroud, though the results are lost to my
> poor memory.
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest [message #141170 is a reply to message #141082] |
Sat, 27 August 2011 02:45 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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That looks good, Ken. Did you use a spring set from a drum brake kit?
Larry Davick
On Aug 26, 2011, at 11:05 AM, Ken Henderson <hend4800@bellsouth.net> wrote:
> Larry,
>
> I'm the guilty party who installed fan shroud vents and never reported on
> them.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5567
>
> Fact is, I've traveled little since installing them. And have not yet
> installed video cameras to monitor their operation. When we have traveled,
> the aluminum radiator and, maybe, those vents have kept the Cad500 right
> were it seems to prefer, around 205*F with a 195*F thermostat. The last 600
> miles round trip in 95+*F weather was the same; the fan RARELY come on and
> only at low speeds.
>
> One day I'll find the time, ambition, and cool enough working conditons to
> video the vents' operation at road speed.
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
>
> On Fri, Aug 26, 2011 at 12:04 PM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> ... Many of the electric fan shrouds I've seen cover the entire radiator
>> and have "rubber" flaps that allow air flow when the fan is not on, but
>> close when the fan pulls enough air. If I'm not mistaken some curious
>> fellow here put flaps on his fan shroud, though the results are lost to my
>> poor memory.
>>
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest [message #141175 is a reply to message #141170] |
Sat, 27 August 2011 07:03 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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No, I used assorted springs from my junk box mostly, with a couple from the
hardware store. They can't be as strong as brake shoe hold-downs, according
to my big blower testing.
Ken H.
On Sat, Aug 27, 2011 at 3:45 AM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:
> That looks good, Ken. Did you use a spring set from a drum brake kit?
>
> Larry Davick
>
> On Aug 26, 2011, at 11:05 AM, Ken Henderson <hend4800@bellsouth.net>
> wrote:
>
> > Larry,
> >
> > I'm the guilty party who installed fan shroud vents and never reported on
> > them.
> >
> > http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5567
> >
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest [message #141178 is a reply to message #141170] |
Sat, 27 August 2011 07:28 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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That's the fun thing about this list, guys can paint pictures in the sky all day, talk about all sorts of stuff and extend theories out, compare other theories and before you know it some people get clouds in their heads thinking thats what they need to make their lives fulfilled.
The threads usually blow out without coming to a conclusion based of facts. One comment Ken made was I think the truest-- if you are not going to move air with a bladed fan, you need to "feather" the blades as to not make them air blocks. At low speeds, electric fans work well and if you have trouble sitting in traffic an electric fan might help but at the same time, that help at low speeds ends up blocking air at higher speds. The is not a "feather" function on a plastic blade electric fan and in the real world of trying to keep our motors cool, an electric fan does actually create an air block at higher speeds. Even running, they still pose friction for air coming in.
I have never seen a properly operating system in a GMC (where my first person experiences are) that would not work properly with just the original belt driven fan. If there is a problem where you need an electric fan, you have some other problem which you should address. Spend time & $ to fix the problem, not to thow bucks agiandst the wall buying electric fans.
Even on really hot days, an original radiator with a properly operating thermostat will keep the motor @ 200 deg. F. and guys, that's all we need! Spending money on all that specific stuff really should not be needed. If you wanna do it because of personal taste no problem and that really is a good reason to do things but I would not make folks think they MUST do this stuff or they will blow up their motor-- just ain't true.
An aluminum radiator is cool, but not needed, an original radiator design works just fine and I'm not going to sturr that pot. An original thermostat will work fine in fact I will not touch a Robershaw thermostat and I don;t think we really wanna stirr that pot either. Regular green coolant is fine, you should not need "wetter water" or the red coolant-- just not needed. There is no weak link the the cooling system in our GMC, it all works awesome.
The reason I bring this up is for the lurkers. Some may latch on to some of this and think it's gospel-- afterall it is in print--- they will go out and buy all this stuff without having any problems and blow their budget on stuff when they should spend $ on really more important stuff.
One comment I read really made me LOL, a guy who had big bucks in his coach and had turned his attention to another project. Had no paint, no complete interior and was thinking about selling the project. I gotta tell ya whatever he put into his coach was a total waste other than maybe the fun he had. I half finished coach is nothing, cannot do what it was intended to do and has ended up the money pit so many label things like this. DO NOT fall into that trap, do things to your coach and certainly do your best to have a good time but do all of it for a goal of actually using the coach! These are not trailer queens, you need to use them or you really are stuffing money down a hole with no way of getting the value out. DON'T DO THAT!
If your motor is not overheating and you still have original paint on the beast, save the $ up for a paint job! Spend $ to get the most out and do the most for your coach. A full restoration is just that-- mechanical, interior AND exterior. You don;t have any value to anyone until it's ALL done.
So lurkers, don;t run out and start buying electric fans just because. Finish the coach off, make it work and look great then you can throw stuff agianst the wall, until then --- stay on taske
Jim Bounds
-----------------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net>
To: "gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org" <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Cc:
Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2011 3:45 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC specific Electric Fan kit: gauging interest
That looks good, Ken. Did you use a spring set from a drum brake kit?
Larry Davick
On Aug 26, 2011, at 11:05 AM, Ken Henderson <hend4800@bellsouth.net> wrote:
> Larry,
>
> I'm the guilty party who installed fan shroud vents and never reported on
> them.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5567
>
> Fact is, I've traveled little since installing them. And have not yet
> installed video cameras to monitor their operation. When we have traveled,
> the aluminum radiator and, maybe, those vents have kept the Cad500 right
> were it seems to prefer, around 205*F with a 195*F thermostat. The last 600
> miles round trip in 95+*F weather was the same; the fan RARELY come on and
> only at low speeds.
>
> One day I'll find the time, ambition, and cool enough working conditons to
> video the vents' operation at road speed.
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
>
> On Fri, Aug 26, 2011 at 12:04 PM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> ... Many of the electric fan shrouds I've seen cover the entire radiator
>> and have "rubber" flaps that allow air flow when the fan is not on, but
>> close when the fan pulls enough air. If I'm not mistaken some curious
>> fellow here put flaps on his fan shroud, though the results are lost to my
>> poor memory.
>>
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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