With a yellow fan and a bad clutch I'm searching for an e fan to replace my primary. I've searched the forums and google and found a lot of info, much of it outdated and few actual part recommendations outside of GM models to pull from.

Id like to install this in the existing shroud. Is there a perfect fitting unit anywhere out there that anyone knows of?

Here is the top contender I have so far.

High Output Single RAD : 17" H.O. Single RAD Pusher/Puller Fan with Premium Mount Kit - 16-7/8"W x 16-7/8"H x 2-5/8"D

Does anyone know what cfm the original fan pulls? This is 1800 / 2400.

 

Assuming this is for the pre facelift XJS you list, a 17 inch fan will not fit into the OEM shroud. This is not a problem if you ditch the OEM shroud as it is not needed as electric fans are "self shrouded"; but you will have to make a fixing up for the electrics.


If you buy a 16 inch fan it will be fixable onto the OEM fan which will simplify installation. It is important to upgrade the OEM auxiliary electric fan as well if you are going to replace the mechanical fan. An 11 inch will fit the OEM shroud, but depth of the new unit is important, the absolute MAX that will fit between the rad and the engine for either fan is 4 inches, and less is better.


SPAL fans are pretty good and they make a 16 inch; but in principle just get the best airflow you can from a decent make. The control of the main fan is a difficulty, and most systems fail, or have other problems. If you go for it, Grant has a 100% reliable wiring schema.
Greg

 

If you have the money check out cooler cats in Dallas it is a excellent after market product

 

Thanks greg! Yes, this is on the '86.

Are you sure about the size? I measured the shroud opening as accurately as I could without pulling the fan and got a fraction over 18". That agreed with info from Jaguar XJ-S Electric Radiator Fan Installation. Obviously this one above is close, but at 16-7/8"W x 16-7/8"H x 2-5/8"D. I should have a bit of space around it when inserted into the protruding ring in the shroud from the rad side. Or is there something that I'll find out once I have it all apart that interferes?

I plan on replacing the 12" too due to age but what's the driving factor you mention for doing this when replacing the primary?

I'd love to see Grants diagram! I'll try searching for it. For a start, it'll just be on with ignition.

 

If you are definitely going to do this mod, I suggest that you remove the shroud and take it with you to the fan supplier. All I can say is that in my case I found only 11 inch and 16 inch fans would go in. As I had bought a 12 inch and a 17 inch, I had to make up my own fan supports and ditch the OEM shroud.
The key to a successful installation is getting the electric fans as close as possible against the rad, with a few bits of foam to stop any chafing if needed. So when you look at the fans, they must be able to get into the hole in the shroud so they can get against the rad fins.
Greg

 

With the Aussie ford twin fan setup being almost made for the xjs and almost a drop in fitment l wonder if anybody overseas has ever costed postage for them. They are certainly plentiful down here for prices as low as 40 AUD used or 120 AUD new.

 

Yeah, I'd ditch the OEM and select a shroud/fan combo that matches the over all dimension. In my case two and a shroud. After market intended for a mind 90's Mustang. Old tech with straight blades as opposed to more sophisticated curved blades. Two holes to drill for the lower support and a "stud" bar I made up for the uppers .


Stand alone temperature directed systems are available. I relied on the GM PCM that manages my 350 SBC.


Quite pleased...


Carl

 

There's quite a bit to consider here, and I wanted to be able to drive her, so I punted and put in a new fan clutch. Just buying some time to line up a really good e fan and relays. Still have the YFOD ( yellow fan of doom ) but I cleaned it thoroughly and did a visual inspection. It's not about to fail. Either I get an e fan or I replace it soon.

I also found my thermal switch is not functioning, so I was getting no assist from the electric aux. fan. While I had it all apart I cleaned between the radiators ( not too bad ) and cleaned all three radiators. I'm sure that helped a bit. With the new clutch and ( temporarily hacked ) functioning e fan she seems to be staying cool. Today it was 90ºF ( 32ºC ) and I was idling in traffic for quite a bit and it didn't quite reach the bottom of "N".

FYI The shroud on my XJ-S is ~18.3" in. inside diameter.

There are two '95 thunderbirds in the pick a part down the road. I understand they have very nice 18" e fans in em. I might just take my shroud and run down there in the morning.

Another nice thing, I found the missing cylinder. A4. I think it's injector is a bit obstructed and it's causing it to run lean. Gave it some Sea-foam, re-gapped A4 to .020 and it's a v12 now! Been a v11 since I got it. And with it not dumping fuel and oxygen in the exhaust it's starting to idle reasonably well too. I should make an ECU adjustment tool.

 

I recently bought a fan, shroud and thermostat for a 1998 Lincoln town car. from AM Parts on line. Cost was about $80.00. It was about 16-20 inches. I never considered it for an XJS, but I feel sure AM Parts would work with you on sizes. By the way Ford wanted $500.00 for this part.