Radiator fan runs when engine is cold

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

swathdiver

Full Access Member
Joined
May 18, 2017
Posts
19,796
Reaction score
26,732
Location
Treasure Coast, Florida
If the computer decides to, my electric fans run during remote start. GMT900s.

The conventional clutch fan on the 900s flows more air than two 700 watt electric fans. Don't recall how much anymore.
 

Marky Dissod

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2023
Posts
2,031
Reaction score
2,828
Location
(718)-
The conventional clutch fan on the 900s flows more air than two 700 watt electric fans.
Over as little as 1000 engine RpM, I'd be willing to bet that that's true.
If I were in the market for a GMT900, my only questions would be:
Does the mech fan flow more air than two OE electric fans AT ENGINE IDLE?
Is it enough for the AC to continue to perform well at idle even while stopped in traffic @ 45C / 113F outside?

Just noticed you said 'two 700 watt electric fans'.
Guessing those are NOT OE for GMT900s?
 

swathdiver

Full Access Member
Joined
May 18, 2017
Posts
19,796
Reaction score
26,732
Location
Treasure Coast, Florida
Over as little as 1000 engine RpM, I'd be willing to bet that that's true.
If I were in the market for a GMT900, my only questions would be:
Does the mech fan flow more air than two OE electric fans AT ENGINE IDLE?
Is it enough for the AC to continue to perform well at idle even while stopped in traffic @ 45C / 113F outside?

Just noticed you said 'two 700 watt electric fans'.
Guessing those are NOT OE for GMT900s?
Many GMT900s come factory equipped with 700 watt cooling fans. All three of my trucks have them.

I don't have a 2500 Suburban or Yukon XL, those have a mechanical clutch fan. Let's ask a few. @Derick @intheburbs @Moosemoon
 

Fless

Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Posts
12,174
Reaction score
24,845
Location
Elev 5,280
If the computer decides to, my electric fans run during remote start. GMT900s.

The conventional clutch fan on the 900s flows more air than two 700 watt electric fans. Don't recall how much anymore.

The 900s come with clutch fans? I thought they were all electric for NNBS.
 

Shackman7878

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2020
Posts
140
Reaction score
175
Location
San Bernardino
I have a 09 Yukon XL (gmt900) was thinking about ditching the clutch fan but cant find a decent kit or write up that dose not involve reprogramming something after or having to new temp switch, or something you stick in the radiator. I noticed it sounds like a jet engine in the morning until the engine warms up.

Video on how much power it robs -
 

mattbta

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2012
Posts
1,117
Reaction score
2,062
Location
Frisco, TX
Based on my preliminary experience with the e-fan conversion here are my thoughts, with more to come as we ramp into Texas summer:

Idle/low speed AC performance: Electric fans
Highway (55+) AC performance: Mechanical fan
Butt-o-meter (SOTP) go-fast: Electric fans

As I did the programming to turn the e-fans on, I know that I used to stock setting of 45MPH to turn the fans off, so it reasons that the highway performance is better with a spinning mech fan. Hopefully that's the case, or I'm facing more AC repairs. It used to freeze my face off. Now it's just "cool". I think I measured high 40's at the vent.

I still think I'm ok with this trade-off if it is legitimate, because idle/traffic speeds AC performance have always been less than desired. I'll report back when we get hotter and I drive it more...I'm still not driving much at all.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,778
Posts
1,874,138
Members
97,612
Latest member
tregan716
Top