Piston Slap: Cool Thoughts on Electric Fan Conversions

by Sajeev Mehta

Updated: October 21st, 2019 Published: January 21st, 2016

piston slap cool thoughts on electric fan conversions

Robin writes:

Hi Sajeev,

Back with a topic that might be real to many Texans and others of warmer climes. I’m close to 220,000 miles on my 94 Nissan D21. She’s still motoring along and I’m doing my to keep her maintained.

We’ve just come through the dog days. Back when it was hitting 112° in Dallas, I was finding myself stuck in afternoon rush hour traffic on 75 and the coolant temp was pushing upwards into a zone that definitely had my attention. Fortunately, the traffic cleared and I could get back up to speeds that moved sufficient air across the radiator.

This experience prompted research and pondering: what about an aftermarket electric fan? When stopped in traffic, it would keep up while the engine was idling at low RPMs. And how many times have I stopped briefly to run in somewhere and returned to start up and see the temperature way up there from sitting still?

So, my research has yielded data on how to go about electric fan installation. My question is, would it be a worthwhile upgrade or just “putting a wing on it?”

Sajeev answers:

I think an electric fan conversion is a great upgrade for some people … but not for you.

Looks like an Altima fan swap is doable, but will its significant electrical draw burden your stock alternator? (Compare the amperage output vs. the donor Altima) And assuming your D21 is still factory stock, why go through all this effort?

Your problem lies with a (clogged) radiator, a (leaking) fan clutch, or both. Thankfully, both are easy to replace, unlike the Altima fan swap which requires more parts and far more labor. Run your hand behind the (not running!) fan clutch. If you feel oil and dirt, it’s gotta go. Start there first. Considering the mileage, replacing both of them isn’t a bad idea anyway.

I feel like I know you and your truck well by now, hence my conclusion: there’s no need to reinvent the wheel, just recondition it when needed. What say you, Best and Brightest?

[photo courtesy: Shutterstock user Maksim Vivtsaruk]

Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.

#Alternator #Altima #D21 #DualElectricFan #ElectricFan #FanClutch #Nissan #Radiator

Sajeev Mehta

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2 of 33 comments

Dividebytube on Jan 22, 2016

aw man, the first truck that I purchased with a loan was a used '94 Nissan hardbody. I loved, loved that truck even with the gutless 4cyl. They've all rusted out here in Michigan. But still, I got a lot of work out of that truck and only sold it because it was an awful family vehicles, baby seat 'n' all.

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JustPassinThru on Jan 24, 2016

My own experience with going electric on my four-cylinder YJ Wrangler, was nothing but positive. Removing the stock fan took off the weight of the fan and clutch and let me remove the eighteen-inch funnel-like fan shroud. This opened up the engine bay (spaced for a six; the four was pushed back against the firewall) and made other maintenance a snap. Engine was quieter, in and out, idling or running. And the fan was needed...almost never. I had an override switch on the dash I could click on if I was in traffic, or on a logging trail, or otherwise going to be moving under 25 for long periods. Otherwise, forward motion brought all the air through there that I needed. That said...if this truck is overheating in traffic when it never did before, something has changed. Bug-plug of the radiator; or fan clutch...or...wait for this...a head gasket leaking. Engine running hotter is an early sign. Check those out; and instead of buying a fan clutch, I'd look into going electric.

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