Thermo or Clutch Fan?

[Pep]

Hey All
I'm currently running a fixed fan (was already on car)
I'm thinking about changing the fan to a thermo from a Ford Laser
with a temp switch, but i'm afraid that it will be too hard on the alterator.
Should i get a clutch fan or maybe upgrade the alt then a thermo?
BTW 94 1.3 Sierra stock motor

Thanks Pep

[sierrajim]

1. You can switch a thermo off when you do a water crossing.
2. Thermo draws less horsepower from the engine than a clutch fan
3. Thermo means that you can better control the engine temp
4. If you upgrade your alternator the extra power can also be used for winching, lights etc

Draw back, one more electrical component to stuff up on your car.

[patzuki]

run both, you'll notice a bugger all diff in power and engine fan will alway s be more reliable. Thats my experience, i had lots of probs with my thermo and I now run both.

[built4thrashing]

thermo. engine will rev a bit more freely and i rekon they are safer than a fixed or clutch fan

[MART]

Mate,just wondering why you want to change it as the most efficient way to cool the car is mechanical fan and shroud,unless you have changed your motor,Cheers Paul.

[Pep]

Mate,just wondering why you want to change it as the most efficient way to cool the car is mechanical fan and shroud,unless you have changed your motor,Cheers Paul.

What i was thinking, is that the zook is under powerded as it is and
that running a thermo would take a bit off the motor like built4thrashing said.

Pep

[Highway-Star]

Don't know anything about ford laser fans, but I'm running a 14inch thermo, and so is my fathers sierra. Both ours cars barely go above 8 o'clock on the temp gauge. Electrical systems are 100% stock, revs die a little when the fan cuts in, but its not drastic, and doesn't change the engine behaviour.

Also, when initially experrimenting around with thermo fans on the sierra, a 12 inch was not really adequate when crawling around in low range etc.

[Dooley]

Well I got a 14 inch thermo for push config on front, that in hindsight may be a bit of a PITA to fit. Anyway the current draw for is something like 11A FYI.

[MART]

Make sure you run a relay to get better current,Cheers Paul.

[PJ.zook]

I will be fitting a thermo soon from a corolla i have lying around, purely because every time i do a deep water crossing, the engine just dies because it cant overcome the hydraulic pressure of the fan spinning in water.

[built4thrashing]

remember a thermo will work better pulling air through the rad. Pushing air from in front works ok but is not the best.

[VR Rodeo]

I fitted a 14-inch thermo largely due to the fact that the engine wasn't warming up, would barely get over cold Now have the thermo set to come in at about 1/4. Haven't really noticed any increase in power but as PJZook suggested it helps out sht loads when crossing water deep enough to put a strain on the engine fan trying to churn it's way through.