It has been sometime since my last update. I have been pushing forward, and this next part of the build took sometime to complete. FINALLY, it is done and a monkey off of my back!
So after some research I have decided that I would install an Electric fan into Project Double D’s.
First off, I know there are a lot of different views as to which are better, a Mechanical Fan or a Electrical Fan. I am not posting to start a debate, "Which is better, electric fans or stock" is a topic that has been beaten to death and we won't be having that debate here.
I can’t speak for everyone, However I can speak for my needs.
Project Double D’s is going to get an electric fan for a couple of reasons:
#1 The electrical system in her has been completely overhauled to handle the additional draw of Amperage. Between the 2 Batteries, the Upgraded Battery Cables and the High Amp Alternator an addition of a GOOD Electric fan only makes since.
#2 On Demand Cooling, With a Electric fan and the way I will wire it I will be able to turn the fan On /Off in the cab for whatever reasons I might need.
#3 If in the future I decide that the Electric Fan is not going to cut it, all I have to do is unbolt and put the Mechanical Fan back into place.
After much deliberation, I've decided to swap my stock fan for an electric fan.
Granted, This might not be the best option for all. Also, not all electric fans are created equal. A cheap fan from some bargain warehouse store will not do.
I have done my research and have found that the absolute best Option for an Electric Fan is going to be a 2 Speed Lincoln Mark VIII Fan. That Big Beast is about the best anyone could use to cool an IH Machine. However, we all know how little space there is between the Water Pump and the Radiators on these Scout II. A Mark VIII just will not fit without some further fabrication.
I decided the Ford Taurus fan might be another good 2 speed option. It is thinner than the Mark VII but it also has smaller diameter. The only problem with the Taurus Fan was the fact that there were limited mounting options. I would have to fabricate a way to mount it. That was not a deal breaker, but I figured I would keep exploring options
After further research I found the answer. I found it
HERE that the Volvo Fan was the same as the Taurus Fan. They were built by the same third party contracted manufacture and they both have the same 2 Speed Motor. The only difference: the Volvo is thinner (however it offsets closer to the radiator, so really the same overall thickness) and it mounts differently to the shroud. The Taurus fan is usually built in to the shroud and, as stated above, one needs to fab up a mounting solution. The Volvo fan has mounting holes built into the fan.
I have also found figures that state this fan pulls 4500CFM on high speed and 2500CFM on low. Hard to say if this is 100% true or not but these figures are based on Multiple websites and you can ALWAYS believe what you read on the internet!!!
There is one other difference that a lot of people overlook, (or maybe not) but in my opinion it is what made a part of my decision easier to make. The Volvo Relay Pack is a separate unit from all of the other relays in the Volvo Vehicle. The Ford Fan Relays are NOT separate and are mounted in the Relay Box with all of the other relays. This means that one would have to buy and or build a Relay Pack for the Taurus Fan (or you could buy a Volvo Relay Pack).
I decided before I shelled out any cash I would explore the local Pick-A-Part. There is where I found the best option, I found a few Volvos with all the fans and relays intact. They also included all of the connectors that would be need. So, for $27.50 per Fan, Relay and Connectors setup it was hard not to go ahead and grab 4 of each setup. The good thing about electrical part is they either work or they don’t. My thinking is this: 1 for Project Double D’s plus on extra Relay Set for the Glove Box and 1 for my next Project, My daughters Scout plus Relay Set for the glove box. The extra fans just come with the relays. Either way same price might as well have a few extra fans. All of the parts cleaned up to look brand new. So, with Fans, Relays and backups in hand I was ready to go.
Please Visit My other Thread
“Electric Fan Wiring and Relay Set Up (How To)”. On that thread I spell it out exactly how to wire up the fan and the relays to make the fan work with all types of setups, With or Without A/C and EFI Controls.
In this post I will cover how I made my Fan Shroud for this beast of a fan. Here are a couple of pics of the fan and relay packs:
I started with the Champion Radiator for the Scout II. Very Nice product and they were really helpful on the phone. I am very impressed with the Radiator.
I will be using a BMW 2 temp switch to control my fan as one option of control and will wire it for such. I also have the option to use the Holley EFI setup I have to control the fan VIA ECM. This is an option I will explore later and might be a permanent option when I get the Scout back on the road. I will wire for both options and whichever I decide it will be just a matter of unplugging from one and plugging into another.
I only mention this because I welded a bung into the radiator to accept the BMW switch as the pics show.
As Mentioned, The Fan has a slight offset that made direct mounting to the radiator not possible. Even as Champion provides the offset of about a ½ inch for the shroud mounting this still was not enough space. Plus, I wanted just a little more room INSIDE of the Shroud to allow more air movement across the whole radiator. So I took some measurements to get as much room as I could for mounting this fan.
There was a ¾ inch of a offset for the fan mount.
It was time to make the shroud.
To keep up with tradition, all projects must start with a little sacrifice on the Ole’ Ladies Part. (Ex. Sand Blasting Cabinet for Small Items=Loss of Noodle Strainer)
Let’s not break tradition!
One X-Mas Wrapping Box. Only Kicker, she won’t find out until X-Mas time when she’s looking for it!!!!
This MUST be sacrificed to provide for building a template in order to make the shroud.
First I made a basic square box setup and took some more measurements to get every bit of space I could out of the area provide. With a 1 ¼ space with in the shroud, this gives me a ½ inch of air flow space between the middle of the fan and the radiator (more space is provided between the blades themselves and the radiator).
After building the square box I Cut some side pieces for one side of the Shroud. The fan would also have to set to an offset towards the Passenger side of the Scout because of how little room there was between the Radiator and the Water Pump. Not a deal breaker at all, I will still be getting full air flow across the Radiator.