Electric or belt driven fans

Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by Stubby the tractor, Apr 5, 2020.

  1. Stubby the tractor

    Stubby the tractor Bobtail Member

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    While my Cat engine is being rebuilt I decided to rebuild everything on the front of my 379. Anyone that understands engines knows that anything driven by a belt is robbing horsepower from the engine. Does the torque on a diesel make the difference? Why haven't any of the manufacturers gone with electric? Not looking for rocket science answers, just general thought about the subject. Seems if you completely sealed the back and used two rows of electric fans that they would be able to adequately cool the engine allowing less horsepower drain on the engine. Of course you'd still need belts or serp belt to drive the alternator and such. I'm eliminating the ac system and going to a self contained roof top unit. I don't layover so I think this is a smart way to go / eliminating a system that fails year after year.
    So what have you guys seen in the past and/ or do you think this is a viable option?
     
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  3. Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    There arent any electric fan options out there that will move the CFM needed to replace the engine driven fan. Even if you could match the CFM rating the rans will draw enough electricity to make the alternator work harder thus canceling out any gain from removing the engine driven fan.
     
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  4. Deere hunter

    Deere hunter Road Train Member

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    I new a guy in az that had a kta650 hauling lumber for Kay trucking years ago that tried those electric fans. Spent a lot of money and time but as far as I know never could keep it cool!
     
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  5. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    That’s what I’ve read also, just not possible, yet anyways
     
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  6. Stubby the tractor

    Stubby the tractor Bobtail Member

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    That's what I'm wanting to know. Appreciate your input. Safe travels.
     
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  7. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Not even electricity is free. The more electricity you ask the alternator to produce the harder it is to turn the alternator and the more power it robs from the engine.
     
  8. HoneyBadger67

    HoneyBadger67 Road Train Member

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    That's the reason why everything has a clutch fan, now, to stop most of the parasitic loss caused by a continuous fan.
     
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  9. Stubby the tractor

    Stubby the tractor Bobtail Member

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    That's a good point. Also the bank of fans would some what restrict the flow of air through the radiator coils. I'm doing away with the ac condenser. That'll improve flow too. Thanks for hittin me up. Safe travels.
     
  10. stillwurkin

    stillwurkin Road Train Member

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    Don't know if your radiator is old. But if heat is a issue mayby get one with more cooling tubes. Fan won't come on as much. I know it will be more expense. Big horse needs to be cool and comfortable.
     
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