Electric Fan FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
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Why do I need an electric fan?
An electric fan is needed for those times when there isn't enough airflow (cfm) through the radiator to maintain the proper coolant temperature.
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A puller fan is a fan that is installed behind, or in back of the radiator, and wired so that when it is running, the air is "pulled" through the radiator core. All Perma-Cool electric fans are pre-assembled at the factory and shipped as pullers.
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A pusher fan is a fan that is installed ahead, or in front of the radiator, and wired so that when it is running, the air is "pushed" through the radiator core. All Perma-Cool electric fans are pre-assembled at the factory and shipped as pullers, not pushers.
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Can an electric fan be installed as a pusher or as a puller?
TopYes, while all Perma-Cool electric fans are pre-assembled at the factory, and shipped as pullers, they are reversible. In most cases, to convert a fan's directional flow from a puller to a pusher, the blade must be removed and flipped over (or reversed), and the wiring must also be reversed. In some instances a fan can be converted by simply reversing the wiring polarity.
What is more efficient a "pusher" or "puller" electric fan?
A puller fan is more efficient. A pusher fan is generally only 80% as efficient as a puller fan.
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What size electric fan do I need?
A general rule of thumb is that you cover at least 70% of the radiator core area with the blades of the electric fan.
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How much airflow (cfm) do I need to cool my engine?
A four cylinder engine requires 1600 cfm; a six cylinder engine requires 2,000 cfm, a small V-8 engine requires 3,000 cfm and large V-8 engines require 4500+ cfm.
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Do I need a shroud on my Perma-Cool electric fan?
No, all Perma-Cool electric fans are designed to be installed directly to the radiator core, close enough to not need a shroud.
Can I use more than one electric fan?
Yes. To reach the minimum cfm required, you may need to install two or possibly more electric fans. Top
How do I mount the electric fan?
Perma-Cool electric fans mount flush to the radiator core and are held in place by our patented nylon ties and foam spacer pads. An optional metal mounting strap kit is available for extreme use or off-road applications.
How do I activate the electric fan?
Electric fans can be activated in any number of ways. The most common are:
- Direct wired: the fan is wired to the ignition wiring on the switched side.
- Non-adjustable thermal switch: the fan turns on when the engine temperature reaches a pre-set temperature.
- Adjustable thermal switch: the fan turns on when the engine temperature reaches the pre-determined and set temperature.
- Toggle switch: the fan is activated by a standard switch.
What if I have a clearance problem? i.e., water pump, radiator, exhaust system
It is possible to gain clearance by moving the electric fan up, down or to the side of the radiator, thereby avoiding contact with the water pump or exhaust system.
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Are replacement parts available?
TopPerma-Cool maintains a large inventory of spare blades and motors for all electric fans, as well as a wide assortment of accessories such as thermal switches, toggle switches, and attachment hardware.