• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

junk yard electric fan with stock fox alternater

  • Thread starter Thread starter MarSaleenMustan
  • Start date Start date May 8, 2005
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
M

MarSaleenMustan

Founding Member
Apr 5, 2002
208
0
0
41
San Bernardino California
May 8, 2005
#1
  • May 8, 2005
  • #1
I was wondering if a junkyard electric fan would work with the stock fox alternater? i know its recomended that you upgrade to the 130 amp, but is it possible to make it work considering i have a stock radio(aka no sound system) and manual windows/locks on my 88? not to mention no AC(if it matters) including no fan box from under dash. i'm not looking to do a DCcontroller setup, just a simple switch inside and a simple electric fan.
 

90mustangGT

I felt sorry for girls because
Founding Member
Jan 15, 2002
2,773
17
89
47
Dallas, GA
May 8, 2005
#2
  • May 8, 2005
  • #2
It will work ok. It's going to put greater strain on it as well as the battery. In the meantime you should put a 3G unit towards the top of the "mods to do" list.
 

sgarlic

Founding Member
Apr 21, 2001
3,085
1
56
May 8, 2005
#3
  • May 8, 2005
  • #3
90mustangGT said:
It will work ok. It's going to put greater strain on it as well as the battery. In the meantime you should put a 3G unit towards the top of the "mods to do" list.
Click to expand...

I would recommend you do the 3g first, unless you're going to use the DCC setup, which you say you aren't.

Believe me, when that fan kicks on with the lights on when you're stopped, get ready to watch your headlights nearly become inoperable, and bring jumper cables with you, because after a few times of that fan kicking on while you're idling with the headlights on, you'll have a dead battery next time you try to start it.. that is if you don't overheat first from the fan not getting the power it needs.

I guess it probably also depends on what fan you use. If you use a taurus fan, or Mark 8.. forget it. If it's a proform, or cavalier fan or something, go for it.. it may last a while.
 
M

MarSaleenMustan

Founding Member
Apr 5, 2002
208
0
0
41
San Bernardino California
May 9, 2005
#4
  • May 9, 2005
  • #4
how about a junkyard 130 amp alternator? i saw a cougar the other day that had one in it, it was the HO 5.0 motor.
anyone else done this(stock alternater/electric fan) setup with "satisfactory" results? if so which fan did you use?
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
May 9, 2005
#5
  • May 9, 2005
  • #5
Jerry Beach used to run a 3.8L Taurus fan on his 2G with a toggle. He said that he had to monitor what accessories were on and he only ran the low speed (which was more than enough with his 3 core rad, even in humid Florida). he has since gone with a variable controller (same set up as SGarlic)

I only posted that since you asked and he is busy lately and does not come in here as often.

good luck.
 
M

MarSaleenMustan

Founding Member
Apr 5, 2002
208
0
0
41
San Bernardino California
May 9, 2005
#6
  • May 9, 2005
  • #6
HISSIN50 said:
Jerry Beach used to run a 3.8L Taurus fan on his 2G with a toggle. He said that he had to monitor what accessories were on and he only ran the low speed (which was more than enough with his 3 core rad, even in humid Florida). he has since gone with a variable controller (same set up as SGarlic)

I only posted that since you asked and he is busy lately and does not come in here as often.

good luck.
Click to expand...

thanks, as i said i dont have any accesories, the only thing would be listenig to the stock radio every now and then, or headlights at night, even then i'd probably turnoff the gauge cluster/dash lights
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
80
Dublin GA
lowendmac.com
May 9, 2005
#7
  • May 9, 2005
  • #7
Electric fan = 3G alternator if you want long life & reliability from your car.
The electric fan saves some HP. The stock fan's parasitic drag runs from 7-12 HP depending on who you talk to. The electric fan uses about 1/2 HP of power from the electrical system.

Figure this:
Ignition system & computer = 12 amps
Fuel pump = 12 amps
Exterior lights = 15 amps
Fan (heater or A/C) = 15 amps (can run between 5-25 amps depending on setting)
Radio & instruments = 10 amps
Wipers = 10 amps

That's grand total of 74 amps from a 65 amp alternator. Talk about overdrawn at the bank!

Here's websites with pictures of the 3G installation...

See http://www.geocities.com/smithmonte/Auto/3G_130A_Alternator_Upgrade.htm - all the tech data you could ever want to know
OR
http://www.mustangcentral.net/tech/alternator.html - excellent pictures of installation

Use these sites for information on the right way to do the wiring. Some people will tell you that you can skip the wiring upgrade, but it will catch up with you sooner or later. A fire in the wiring harness is ugly and expensive.

Under no circumstances connect the two 10 gauge black/white wires to the 3G alternator. If the fuse blows in the 4 gauge wire, the two 10 gauge wires will be overloaded to the point of catching fire and burning up the wiring harness.

See WWW.partsexpress.com for the fuse & fuse holder.
Fuse @ $3.90 each (need one) http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=071-952

Fuseholder @ $5.80 each (need one) http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=263-630

4 gauge black wire @ $1.25 a foot (use string to lay out routing & determine length) http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=100-196

4 gauge red wire @ $1.25 a foot (use string to lay out routing & determine length) http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=100-194

4 gauge ring crimp terminals (package of 5) $3.25. http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=095-584
 

89roadster

Founding Member
Apr 19, 1999
1,124
0
0
55
Kent Island, MD
www.mustangjunkie.com
May 9, 2005
#8
  • May 9, 2005
  • #8
I ran my blackmagic for the past two years with the stock alternator and in stopped traffic (I'm talking 15+ minutes of not moving an inch), you won't last - especially in the dark with the wipers going (speaking from experience). I finally upgraded to a PA Performance unit last fall - I could have done it much cheaper with jrichker's instructions, but I just wanted the warranty.
 

sgarlic

Founding Member
Apr 21, 2001
3,085
1
56
May 9, 2005
#9
  • May 9, 2005
  • #9
jrichker said:
Electric fan = 3G alternator if you want long life & reliability from your car.
The electric fan saves some HP. The stock fan's parasitic drag runs from 7-12 HP depending on who you talk to. The electric fan uses about 1/2 HP of power from the electrical system.

Figure this:
Ignition system & computer = 12 amps
Fuel pump = 12 amps
Exterior lights = 15 amps
Fan (heater or A/C) = 15 amps (can run between 5-25 amps depending on setting)
Radio & instruments = 10 amps
Wipers = 10 amps

That's grand total of 74 amps from a 65 amp alternator. Talk about overdrawn at the bank!

Here's websites with pictures of the 3G installation...

See http://www.geocities.com/smithmonte/Auto/3G_130A_Alternator_Upgrade.htm - all the tech data you could ever want to know
OR
http://www.mustangcentral.net/tech/alternator.html - excellent pictures of installation

Use these sites for information on the right way to do the wiring. Some people will tell you that you can skip the wiring upgrade, but it will catch up with you sooner or later. A fire in the wiring harness is ugly and expensive.

Under no circumstances connect the two 10 gauge black/white wires to the 3G alternator. If the fuse blows in the 4 gauge wire, the two 10 gauge wires will be overloaded to the point of catching fire and burning up the wiring harness.

See WWW.partsexpress.com for the fuse & fuse holder.
Fuse @ $3.90 each (need one) http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=071-952

Fuseholder @ $5.80 each (need one) http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=263-630

4 gauge black wire @ $1.25 a foot (use string to lay out routing & determine length) http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=100-196

4 gauge red wire @ $1.25 a foot (use string to lay out routing & determine length) http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=100-194

4 gauge ring crimp terminals (package of 5) $3.25. http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=095-584
Click to expand...

.. whether you do an electric fan conversion or not, you should do the 3g anyway.
 

slowhatch82

Founding Member
Jun 11, 2002
583
0
0
42
NJ Pine Barrens
www.geocities.com
May 9, 2005
#10
  • May 9, 2005
  • #10
Just finished installing mine, wired it with a adjustable temp sensor, it cost me less than 30 bucks for kit that came with the wires, sensor, control unit and such from NAPA, probly cost ya alittle more since I work there, but hey, its a good kit, easy to install...I have the fan set on low, and im still messing with when the fan comes on, but its more than enough to cool, and don't seem to have any trouble with the charging system. I do have a new alt. and battery though.
 
M

MarSaleenMustan

Founding Member
Apr 5, 2002
208
0
0
41
San Bernardino California
May 9, 2005
#11
  • May 9, 2005
  • #11
slowhatch82 said:
Just finished installing mine, wired it with a adjustable temp sensor, it cost me less than 30 bucks for kit that came with the wires, sensor, control unit and such from NAPA, probly cost ya alittle more since I work there, but hey, its a good kit, easy to install...I have the fan set on low, and im still messing with when the fan comes on, but its more than enough to cool, and don't seem to have any trouble with the charging system. I do have a new alt. and battery though.
Click to expand...


awsome, thogh hopefully it lasts a while, the reason why i wanna go with the electric fan now is because my current fan wobbles a bit too much for my liking at idle, and i'm afraid it will wear out my waterpump bearings prematurely. now when you say "kit", what do i ask for? an electric fan kit? or do you just piece one togeather.

jrichker thanks for the links, you always seem to have link for everything
 

slowhatch82

Founding Member
Jun 11, 2002
583
0
0
42
NJ Pine Barrens
www.geocities.com
May 16, 2005
#12
  • May 16, 2005
  • #12
NAPA sells a kit, its 36 bucks, not a bad deal, its a good kit. Ask for an electric fan installation kit, its in the big napa parts and supplies book. can't remember the number off the top of my head.
 
M

Mean86GT

New Member
May 15, 2005
46
0
0
May 16, 2005
#13
  • May 16, 2005
  • #13
i put a 75 amp alt on my 86 GT and run an electric fan on a thermostat with no problems.
 

Stang8URMPRT

Active Member
Dec 28, 2003
1,100
1
38
44
Daytona Beach, FL
May 16, 2005
#14
  • May 16, 2005
  • #14
All you that run an electric fan with the stock alt and say you have no problems... PLEASE... Bump this thread in a month or two when you're stranded on the side of the road becasue your electric fan kicked on, and your car dies from no power because the alt can't keep up and the battery fully discharges.
 
M

MarSaleenMustan

Founding Member
Apr 5, 2002
208
0
0
41
San Bernardino California
May 16, 2005
#15
  • May 16, 2005
  • #15
Actually just lastnight at work(i work for autozone) i went back to where we have all the cooling stuff, like electric fans, fan blades ect. and noticed there was a kit too, it consists wires, a relay, and a sensor that you feed through the radiator, it goes for $21, so with my discount i'm looking at $16, not to mention there was another kit which was adjustable, i didnt open the box to see how exactly it works, but it was priced at $17. I think i might get atleast the $21 dollar one.
 
B

Biggeley

New Member
Mar 4, 2003
136
0
0
May 16, 2005
#16
  • May 16, 2005
  • #16
MarSaleenMustan said:
I was wondering if a junkyard electric fan would work with the stock fox alternater? i know its recomended that you upgrade to the 130 amp, but is it possible to make it work considering i have a stock radio(aka no sound system) and manual windows/locks on my 88? not to mention no AC(if it matters) including no fan box from under dash. i'm not looking to do a DCcontroller setup, just a simple switch inside and a simple electric fan.
Click to expand...

I used an 89 3.8L taurus fan with a stock alternator with no problems. I just used the 'low' setting on the fan and used it for several months. It put quite a drain on the system when the lights or the ac/heater fans were on as well, but I never was left with a drained battery.
 
B

Biggeley

New Member
Mar 4, 2003
136
0
0
May 16, 2005
#17
  • May 16, 2005
  • #17
MarSaleenMustan said:
Actually just lastnight at work(i work for autozone) i went back to where we have all the cooling stuff, like electric fans, fan blades ect. and noticed there was a kit too, it consists wires, a relay, and a sensor that you feed through the radiator, it goes for $21, so with my discount i'm looking at $16, not to mention there was another kit which was adjustable, i didnt open the box to see how exactly it works, but it was priced at $17. I think i might get atleast the $21 dollar one.
Click to expand...


I really like the autozone (hayden or imperial brand) non-adjustible one.. It comes on at 180 degrees and off at 165 degrees.. The probe is nothing but a copper rod that slides through your radiator fins and then has a non-adjustible temperature switch that screws into the end of the rod. Simple design, very reliable and has been extremely consistent. Has a diode for attaching it to your AC line. And only 20 bucks for the setup. The 30 amp relay should be good for lower-powered fans but I upgraded it to a 75-amp relay to run my taurus fan on high.
 
M

MarSaleenMustan

Founding Member
Apr 5, 2002
208
0
0
41
San Bernardino California
May 16, 2005
#18
  • May 16, 2005
  • #18
Biggeley said:
I really like the autozone (hayden or imperial brand) non-adjustible one.. It comes on at 180 degrees and off at 165 degrees.. The probe is nothing but a copper rod that slides through your radiator fins and then has a non-adjustible temperature switch that screws into the end of the rod. Simple design, very reliable and has been extremely consistent. Has a diode for attaching it to your AC line. And only 20 bucks for the setup. The 30 amp relay should be good for lower-powered fans but I upgraded it to a 75-amp relay to run my taurus fan on high.
Click to expand...
yeah its an Imperial, so what about the AC line deal? i dont have AC.
 
M

MarSaleenMustan

Founding Member
Apr 5, 2002
208
0
0
41
San Bernardino California
May 16, 2005
#19
  • May 16, 2005
  • #19
Biggeley said:
I used an 89 3.8L taurus fan with a stock alternator with no problems. I just used the 'low' setting on the fan and used it for several months. It put quite a drain on the system when the lights or the ac/heater fans were on as well, but I never was left with a drained battery.
Click to expand...
i dont have heater/ac, not even the fan box under the dash, so i'm hoping that helps.
 
B

Biggeley

New Member
Mar 4, 2003
136
0
0
May 17, 2005
#20
  • May 17, 2005
  • #20
MarSaleenMustan said:
yeah its an Imperial, so what about the AC line deal? i dont have AC.
Click to expand...

It's only used if you want the fan to come on when the AC compressor kicks on.
 
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

E
Finished my Fox Hydroboost Install - Tips
  • Engineer Duane
  • Apr 9, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 5, 2025
Engineer Duane
E
SOLD 1993 Mustang Cobra / 114K miles / Modified / Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  • Naja
  • Oct 4, 2023
  • Fox Body Mustangs For Sale (1979-93)
Replies
5
Views
12K
Fox Body Mustangs For Sale (1979-93) Feb 26, 2025
Naja
My 93 4v Fox
  • OffspringChaos
  • Aug 30, 2023
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
20
Views
4K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 10, 2024
bird_dog0347
B
1991 Ford Mustang LX 5.0
  • Blueinfan
  • May 14, 2021
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
18
Views
2K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 17, 2021
Blueinfan
B
SN Mustang Magnum T56 swap
  • revhead347
  • May 24, 2024
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
15
Views
6K
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Jun 28, 2026
GearHeadGuy
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?