Re: [ihc] Postal 800 fan and gas tank

["Allan Ericson" <lowvolt@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Bongo" <dbongo@domain.elided>

> OK, guys.  Tom Mandera has made a fabulous point about the electric fan
> just robbing power from the engine via the alternator, so any gains
> would be minimal.  I'd also have to look into replacing the alernator at
> that point with a heavier-duty one, which makes this probably not worth
> pursuing too intently.
>
> But I did remember something from my RHD Cherokee.  It has 2 fans.  On
> the left side (i.e. "normal" driver's side) you have a typical
> mechanical fan.  On the right side you have an electric.  I suppose the
> questions to ask are: Can a similar setup be used in an 800?  If so,
> would it be advisable for my application?
>
> As for the gas tank, I've pretty much decided to use the Ford tank
> (Apparently from an F-series pickup - I did find one thread on the
> Bulletin about it) in conjunction with the existing 10-gallon tank.  For
> a total of about 33 gallons.  In the other tank location, I'm looking
> into having John fabricate a tool box, like you can find on some 80's.
> (Another thing I discovered searching the Bulletin.)  Having a place to
> put my tire repair kit, pump, jack, etc. would be handy.  And it should
> be minimal work.
>
> Dave
>

Dave-

The fan Tom has on his vehicle draws a tremendous amount of power. Most of
them don't pull anywhere near that much. On an 800, you just don't need that
big of an electric fan. The one you want will be about 80 bucks at any parts
store.

63 amps is about one horsepower. You use the fan when you are delivering
mail, and you shut it off when you hit the highway on the way home. If you
want, you can hook up a controller for about 100 bucks that will turn it on
and off by engine temperature.

The hard part about hooking it up will be mounting it to the fan shroud. Not
really that tough, but you have to do it right. You don't want air to go
"around" the fan,  so you have to channel the air flow. The right sized fan
mounted to the inside of the fan shroud would be a perfect way to do it. The
closer to the radiator you mount it, the better it works.

A stock fan setup with shroud will work if you have it already. Don't
reinvent the wheel. The IH engine  will run at idle all day when it's 100
degrees outside if the system is working. I know this because all of mine
have done so, 4 cylinder and 8 cylinder.

-Allan