With distribution networks throughout the U.S., Canada and Australia, DCM Manufacturing’s Maradyne High Performance Fans division has two domestic engineering and production facilities, plus plants in China and Mexico along with a strategic manufacturing alliance in Turkey.
He recently answered a series of questions for Aftermarket Business World about electric cooling fans:
Q: What are the benefits of electric fans?
A: Electric cooling fans will provide the constant airflow needed to dissipate excess engine heat with the least impact on horsepower and fuel economy. A key advantage of electric fans is increased engine cooling and improved air conditioning cooling at idle, when it is most needed. In addition, replacing an engine-driven fan can increase horsepower and improve fuel economy as the engine drag from turning the fan is eliminated. Electric cooling fans operate like any other electrically powered accessory on the car.
Q: What are some other marketing suggestions?
A: People are becoming more receptive to using electric cooling fans as an alternative to mechanical fans. A well-designed electric radiator cooling fan is critical to prevent engine overheating in a variety of demanding driving conditions – the heat generated in stop-and-go-driving, when racing, and from hot weather, can kill engines. Without airflow, a radiator can become simply a holding tank for hot coolant.
Q: What should buyers be looking for when considering these fans?
A: While a vehicle’s year/make/model is the starting point in the fan selection process, we have found that it is virtually impossible for a year/make/model lookup to correctly factor in all of the variables that go into choosing the best fan. With universal fit fans there are usually a couple of different models that may fit any one application, with wiring harnesses and mounting brackets available for installation.
Measuring the core dimensions of the radiator – just the core measurement excluding the cooling tanks – to determine if a single fan is needed, or if a dual fan shrouded unit could be considered, because fans must cover as much of the radiator as possible.
An important deciding factor in fan selection is the amount of air flow needed to cool the radiator. Higher performance/upgraded engines require more CFM (cubic feet per minute) than needed for a mild street motor, which does not create as much heat.
Make sure to take a look at the charging system’s specs so that the battery and alternator can handle the amp draw of an electric fan. Single fans can draw from 7 to 19 amps, while some dual fan configurations can draw 14 to 35 amps.
Q: How does one choose between a pusher or puller fan?
A: This all depends on the application, space and if you want to remove the engine-driven fan. For most installations, a puller fan is recommended, which would be used on the backside of the radiator in the engine compartment to pull cool air through the radiator. Whenever possible, it is advised to always try to use the fan in a puller configuration to not obstruct the natural air/ram air the radiator will see from the grill opening. A pusher fan would be used on the front side of the radiator between the grill and radiator.
Depending on the application, there can be a choice between a shrouded or non-shrouded fan. A shroud around the fan does improve cooling because it creates more focused airflow, and for that reason, if the application allows it, is recommended.
Q: What about fans for antique and classic vehicles?
A: Cars and trucks built prior to 1948 typically run on older 6-volt electrical systems and can experience overheating issues, often from engine upgrades that place heavier cooling demands on the stock size radiator.
For these applications, there are compact 6-volt fans that offer additional cooling capabilities without having to convert the entire vehicle to a 12-volt electrical system and can be mounted in front of an existing radiator.
Q: Do consumers tend to shop by price or for brand name?
A: The purchasing decision process for electric cooling fans is just like any other aftermarket product – some people want low cost, some are in the middle and some want the top-of-the-line. We have responded to this by offering three different series of fans at different price points so that the company can be a one-stop resource for a range of product choices.
Q: Why would Maradyne be a good brand to choose?
The company has decades of experience creating some of the best quality universal fit fans in the business that can be used for a wide variety of applications, from race cars and hot rods to off-road trucks and muscle cars. We see very few product returns, which underlines the craftsmanship of our fans. A jobber/warehouse distributor program and solid technical support are other positive aspects of choosing Maradyne fans.
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