allterrain
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- michigan
:viking: One of the first modifcations that I performed on my XJ was to remove the mechanical fan. While there are many reasons to fear losing the "hard link" cooling fan, the benefits outweigh the fear. Many are conserned that the mechanical fan is the "lifeline" to keeping the engine cool in the event of an electrical failure. BUT electric fans are a fact on most new vehicles and as anyone who has removed a mechanical fan from their engine will attest, the power gains from its absence are noticable and significant especially on a stock engine.
My thermostatic clutch and fan were working properly when I performed the modification. When I was done, there was an immediate (feel at the pedal) power increase, smoother and peppier engine, with shorter fan run times (at full A/C or otherwise). I have since beat the thing offroad with no mercy and subjected the front end to multiple water submersions with nary a whisper of a complaint from the set-up. Given the XJ's reputation to have a "borderline" cooling system capacity (to the engine's heat generation), it seems like a good move.
HOW TO DO IT>
Remove the stock fan and thermostatic clutch. Use the fan nuts with lock washers to secure the pulley to the hub to maintain the belt routing. remove the stock shroud from the radiator core.
I fabbed upper and lower mounting brackets and mounted a 14" flex-a-lite (pancake motor fan) in the location where the mechanical fan was. Upper mount is (2) fabbed mounting tabs welded to the radiator support. Lower mount is a "Z" bracket bolted to the radiator support and providing a close-off where the fan overhangs the radiator core. The new fan is wired into the left fan's wiring with "T" connectors and waterproofing. The circuit has enough juice to power both fans. Wiring is secured in position with tie wraps. FINAL RESULT looks OE!
SKILL LEVEL>
Planning and metal fabrication are required so difficulty in that respect is 4 out of 5. Clearance is tight and an improperly secured fan will make contact with the spinning pulleys on the motor.
My thermostatic clutch and fan were working properly when I performed the modification. When I was done, there was an immediate (feel at the pedal) power increase, smoother and peppier engine, with shorter fan run times (at full A/C or otherwise). I have since beat the thing offroad with no mercy and subjected the front end to multiple water submersions with nary a whisper of a complaint from the set-up. Given the XJ's reputation to have a "borderline" cooling system capacity (to the engine's heat generation), it seems like a good move.
HOW TO DO IT>
Remove the stock fan and thermostatic clutch. Use the fan nuts with lock washers to secure the pulley to the hub to maintain the belt routing. remove the stock shroud from the radiator core.
I fabbed upper and lower mounting brackets and mounted a 14" flex-a-lite (pancake motor fan) in the location where the mechanical fan was. Upper mount is (2) fabbed mounting tabs welded to the radiator support. Lower mount is a "Z" bracket bolted to the radiator support and providing a close-off where the fan overhangs the radiator core. The new fan is wired into the left fan's wiring with "T" connectors and waterproofing. The circuit has enough juice to power both fans. Wiring is secured in position with tie wraps. FINAL RESULT looks OE!
SKILL LEVEL>
Planning and metal fabrication are required so difficulty in that respect is 4 out of 5. Clearance is tight and an improperly secured fan will make contact with the spinning pulleys on the motor.
