Sweeeeeeeeeeet... Thanx man! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I do want to clarify that the two links hit on the gottchas but reference different fans. The 295 is listed as a 27" electric (Dual 13.5") on the flex-a-lite site. My only beef has been a faulty fan controller that seems to have been part of a particular batch they distributed. When I called, they said they knew about the problem and sent a replacement without requesting I send back the old unit. I did anyway and bought a spare just in case. I believe I'm not the only person on this board who had the controller quit and the temps rise pretty quick while crawlin' around in 4-Lo. I let her sit and ran her back home in 2wd. As long as you're running faster than about 35mph you won't be using it much anyway....but it did make me a lttle tense at stoplights.

Does it look like this?

Yes exactly! Brew <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I know I'm reviving a really old thread but I wanted to be sure to give anyone who finds this flex-a-lite thread a word of advice. Don't do it!

I have now had my third failure of the flex-a-lite controller. Thankfully I still have a fourth controller available to swap in but this is the last straw. I have appreciated the benefits of the electric fan setup like AC performance and better throttle response. However, I hate having to be constantly vigilant of what my engine temp is doing whenever I'm driving around town. This time I was lucky that it was fairly cool out and I was able to limp it home with the heater set on high.
It was about 65F and the sun was bright/intense. With the windows up, my wife was getting warm so she turned on the AC. While sitting at a light, I happened to glance at the temp gauge and saw the needle very near the red band on the indicator. I flipped the heat/AC control to heat, cranked the fan and took a route home that would keep me moving at ~45mph without many stop lights. The temp gauge dropped pretty quickly to halfway but I'm done having to monitor this subsystem more often than my speedo.
I just hope I can find a shroud, fan clutch assembly and fan without breaking the bank. I truly hope I didn't convince too many others to make this change as it's been the biggest pain in my side with regard to modifications. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> Brew

What about using a different controller like the Spal or DCC that people use with the Taurus fans?

Not cheap, but a lot of people out there are using them...
http://www.spal-usa.com/fans/automated/accessories/fanpwm.html

I've toyed with the idea of going electric, but it sure is hard to beat the simplicity and reliability of the factory setup...

Imho I always felt a plain jane switch in the cab would work best, with a small warming chime/alarm set for a certain degree or perhaps a light of some sort where you could see it. Or just run it always..I know plenty who do just that.

im on my third controller in 2 years, FAL is pretty cool about sending them no charge, i finally put the controller up by the passenger fender-well away from the radiator, seems to be working better farther from the heat.

I really like that this fan does not shake on the water pump. This is better than most! But it is still a drag on the crank.

It looks like it is cheaper for them to replace the controllers rather than redesign it? Is it because the box is really that cheap, or maybe they ran a huge lot of them and have years of stock?

You can roll your own 'controller' pretty easily if you can find a place to put a temperature switch and a relay.

If you are going to replace the radiator maybe there is one with threads on the side for such a switch.

You could put the relay in one of the empty sockets in that relay box and everyone would think it's factory.

It might be a good idea to force the fan on when the aircon is running too. All you need for that is a couple of diodes. It's probably better to watch the a/c switch rather than the compressor clutch.

I'm surprised the controller doesn't have a failsafe mode in it or a way to jumper the power straight to the fan.

Exactly what's so special about the controller? Does the fan require special voltage/amps?

Like it's been stated before...why can't you use a different controller? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />