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Radiator Fans vs Engine Fan

November 10, 2015, 02:03:32 pm

Just had a thought (and now I did it!! Strained my brain again!!)
We have two 16" electric fans on the rear of the engine radiator. They are temperature controlled. They do work and move a whole bunch of air!
We also have a fiberglass fan on the engine. (I know, replace it with nylon.)
But my question is: If the side radiator engines don't have a fan on the engine but do have fans on the radiator, then why couldn't I simply remove the engine fan and let the electric fans do the work?
We also do have another three fans (same size). Two up front on the AC condenser and one on the transmission cooler.

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Re: Radiator Fans vs Engine Fan

Reply #1 – November 10, 2015, 02:14:27 pm

The electric fans are far too low a capacity to cool by themselves under adverse conditions.

Said another way, under high heat load, the fans draw around 25 HP.  No way to reasonably do that electrically.

Wonder if those fans are OE or put on by a previous owner.  Best use for them is a quick cool down after you shut off the engine-- to keep the bedroom cooler.

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Re: Radiator Fans vs Engine Fan

Reply #2 – November 10, 2015, 02:56:54 pm

I don't know Brett. Triple 555 has same year, same engine, and yet no fans and no transmission cooler.
None of the maintenance records indicate any fan purchases.
The rear electric fans are temp controlled, blow considerable CFM compared to the engine fan. I barely notice the engine fan air flow but when the electric fans kick in I have to back away from the air flow. They do continue to turn until radiator temp cools down to preset temp.
I have yet to see the trans temp gage or the engine temp gage climb above 180, even when pulling our Saturn Vue in hot weather.

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