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Project Dark Horse, Part 6 - Electric Fan Install

0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 09 Z
Then, while Ruberto pulled back the fan shroud, John removed the fan/clutch and fan belt.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 10 Z
To make it easier to remove the fan shroud, the upper radiator hose was disconnected at the radiator. Note: If you keep the hose tipped up, virtually no coolant will leak out.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 11 Z
The huge fan shroud was then removed. If you want a stock look, you can reinstall it later, but you don't have to. It's your choice.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 12 Z
The factory fan/clutch assembly is extremely heavy and flows nearly 50 percent less air than the lightweight SPAL fans.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 13 Z
The SPAL fans were then positioned against the radiator, and the upper and lower mounting points were noted and marked.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 14 Z
Self-tapping screws were then run into the radiator mounting points and removed. You can drill the mounting holes, instead if you like.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 15 Z
Ruperto used 1-inch flat steel rod to make two mounting brackets for the fans and painted them black to prevent rust.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 16 Z
The mounting brackets were then bolted to the SPAL fan shroud.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 17 Z
The mounting brackets were then bolted to the radiator frame.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 18 Z
Universal wiring diagrams are included with the fan, but trucks are wired differently, so custom wiring relay harnesses had to be made for the Ford. Ruperto can make them for your truck as well.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 19 Z
The wiring harness/plugs were mounted in a convenient location on the driver side of the engine compartment.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 20 Z
The ground wires were then attached to a good body ground on the firewall.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 21 Z
A wire was then tapped into the A/C sending unit.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 22 Z
Finally, the power wire was attached directly to the battery.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 23 Z
The temperature sensor-to turn on the fans-was then pressed into the radiator core, and the fans were plugged in. Then, the ignition was turned on and the A/C was turned on to make sure the fans came on-they did. The fans will also come on any time the temperature reaches 185 degrees Fahrenheit.
0605St Ford F150 Electric Fan Install 24 Z
That's it. The electric fans not only open up the previously cluttered engine compartment, but they also free up horsepower and cool the engine better than the belt-driven fan. We also picked up about 2 mpg as a bonus.

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