Taurus Electric Fan - New Alternator?

[beachjeep]

I found an electric fan from a 93 Taurus with the 3.8. Ive got a write up on it and it states the fan draws nearly 100 amps on startup settling to 33 with constant draw. Will I need a higher amperage alternator or will the stock one be sufficient...at least for now?

by the way the link to this write up is http://www.jacksongalleries.com/alex/jeep/taurusfan/ if anyone is interested.

$90.00 for a good electric fan is a good deal but not if you have to go and buy a $160 alternator

 

[jay79cj7]

I briefly read through that write-up... Shouldn't you use relays and not solenoids? I think I read somewhere that starter solenoids are good for short activation periods, like starting the engine, but not for long "on" cycles, like would be required here.

 

[beachjeep]

I think your right. Unfortunately Im not very well versed in electrical issues so I should probably find out before installing this thing.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Don't spend much on an alternator, you can get an OEM 136A unit from a junkyard or www.car-parts.com for $40 to $50, if it's the NipponDenso alternator. It came in late '90's Dodge vans, Trucks, Dakotas, etc. It's practically a bolt-in.

 

[jay79cj7]

Well, if you do use relays, I have found them cheaper at radioshack than other places.

 

[XJNick]

Hi,

ALL electric motors will pull a significantly higher amount of current during start-up. This however lasts for a very short while, and I wouldn't necessarily change out alternators just based on that number.

As for the relay thing... A Solenoid is basically a large relay (can handle higher current draws). However, I agree with the above that they are usually only used for short durations...

Keep in mind most automotive relays can handle 30 amps. A GOOD brand relay such as Potter-Brumsfield (sp?) can usually handle 40 amps. One of these would probably work fine. However, if you really want to use a beefier switching device, get a contactor, not a solenoid. Contactors are made for constant use. :mrgreen:

-Nick :!:

 

[jay79cj7]

Good catch on the relay's current limit. Good to know about the contactor. I had never heard of one of those before.

 

[XJNick]

Yeah... as I said, a contactor is basically like a solenoid (or a BIG relay). One brand I know right off is Curtis-Albright contactors. They make a whole bunch of different sizes that have a coil trigger voltage of 12 volts :mrgreen:

I still think a GOOD brand auto. relay will work though. I bet that is what ford used in their vehicles.

-Nick :!:

 

[Snitty]

a good 40 amp relay will work just fine

 

[TwistedCU]

Wrangler Motor mount Brakets

The Flex-a-lite FLX-475 (2050 CFM) came with all the wires, connectors, fuses, a built in adjustable thermostat, mounting brackets, and it has a year warranty for $199 (summit racing). It only draws 9 amps while running and less that 25 when firing up (It came with a 25A main fuse and hasn't blown). It bolted on to my radiator where the old shroud went and it took less than hour to install, including removing the old fan and shroud. If I want to add a kill switch, it has a lead that you connect a grounding type switch to (one wire).

I know it's more than $90, but by the time you get a thermostat, a relay, wiring, yada yada yada Your probably talkin' about $60 more for a new, warrantied unit that you won't have to fabricate brackets for. In addition, the parts are replaceable

Just a thought.