Odd-Ball out...


I MUST be an odd ball - I went FROM electric TO mechanical!


Scenario/ Specs -


1989 Mitsubishi Station/Dodge Conquest TSI
2.6l, I-4, Intercooled Turbo, RWD


History :


I bought this "rice-burner" when I came back from Desert Storm (8/1992) for a $1,000 w/ a blown head gasket ( DISCLAMER : I did have, at the time, an 1983 Plymouth Sapparo (SAME 2.6, I-4,w /out turbo, RWD) and knew that engine "intimately", like a Toyota 22(R,RE) ) After a total re-work of the block, I kept the electric fans (2).


My first long-term trip, coming back from Charlotte, NC to VA Beach, VA, the fan(S) FAILED due to a faulty sending unit/switches [BOTH]. What would have taken me 6 hours, took more than 14... The next chance I got, I went to the junk yard, and grabbed the fan, clutch, pulley, and shroud off a Sapparo.


In 1992, I was ordered to Andrews AFB, during Hurricane "Andrew", and took the Starion for the round-trip... 1,300 miles there, 1-stop for fuel. This was with orders to be there ASAP. We, the 4 of us in the convoy, averaged 87 MPH(if I remember correctly - it was less then 12 hours [heck, it's over 20 years ago - Old Timers Disease...]), 93 days there, and back. No problems over heating.


Ever since then, I gave up on electric fans. They MAY be good for 1/4 mile performance, and FRONT wheel drives, (had ONE, never again!) but, for reliability/longevity/every-day use, I trust mechanical all the way...


P.J.

 

All too true - and with the viscous you can alway block it if it fails or leaks out if in need. Will take you home even in the desert.

 

And they think I'm "odd" keeping a pair of leggings (panty-hose) in the glove box... Saved me more than once! (along with bailing wire)




P.J.

 

pjf1313
#1 Thank you for your service

#2 just wait I have around 12 years on you the CRS syndrome gets worse the older you get

pjf1313, error_401
#3 I also prefer manual over elect - when in the woods or mtns and a long ways home I can fix manual anything with bailing wire or a BFH elect dies you usually walk out

 

I've had 2 fan controllers (senders) crap out on 2 of mine. Not a fault of the fans, but the controllers. As a backup I installed a manual override so the g/f can turn them on if it happens again. Mine failed when I was in the bush, but I was able to take 2 minutes and just run the fans constantly. So I'll be trying a better controller setup soon. However it's still one of the best mods I've done. As far as performance gains, hard to say. I did notice a 1-2 tire chirp afterwards, which didn't happen prior. For me:

1. Quieter
2. Quicker warm up times
3. Less strain on the water pump
4. More clearance

 

Agree with Jason , I have the actual fan in a toggle switch. Have never has to use it, works great