jatoxico

Hey guys, still more questions than answers, so here goes. 1998 xj classic 4.0 w/ AW4. Electric fan not coming on. It used to with AC but no more. Jeep does not get too hot even w/ AC on so can't say what happens when it hits 218. Can feel the relay firing. Getting almost 14 v at the power connector.
Guess I'm buying a fan, or am I over looking something??

Any recommendations on a quality fan manufacturer?

djb383

As a last resort, have u tried jumping direct to the battery to test the efan?

jatoxico

No, but good idea, kinda meant to but didn't while I was checking things out. I'll try that.

Any good fans or maybe better yet any I should stay away from?

djb383

I'd stick with OE stock.....they r potent.

jatoxico

quick bump
any recommendations on a good oem replacement fan?
what brand should I be looking for?

MechanicMatt

I believe rockauto.com sells them, not too expensive either iirc. You could always check the junkyards, that could be hit or miss though with fans still working or not.

jatoxico

So I did try jumping fan directly, no dice. I guess thats good news since at least it not one of these crazy jeep "only works when the wipers are on and the sun is out" situations.

Saw that the motor can be purchased w/o the entire assembly. Anyone done this or not worth it?

djb383

Good idea on swapping just the motor as I've read that later models have a improved fan blade design.

jatoxico

Alright thanks! I'll pull the fan assembly tomorrow just to make sure I get the right part.

jatoxico

I did a little more looking around at chain auto stores for e fan options and the replacement motor alone can be as much or more than an entire new unit (motr/fan/shroud). Twice as much as the cheapest ones. I find this very odd.

I found a motor (VDO) on rockauto for $40 on closeout. The same motor from Pep and Adv was listed for $97.

I'm going w/ the motor alone guessing its better quality than motor that will be included with the less expensive replacement units but I'm not sure if thats true or if I'm just making more work for myself.

Anyone know about the replacement motors, are they any better than what would come w/ a Dorman full unit replacement?

djb383

Spendy the least and git 'er done. LOL

jatoxico

Yeah didn't hurt that I lucked out on the closeout $ .

Just wondering WTH? The whole Dorman unit is $55 on rock but looks chinsy but what do I know? Im obsessing, I think its time I move on.

jatoxico

Just to finalize this thread, the VDO fan motor I used appeared to be well built to OE specs and was a perfect fit in the old fan housing. Nice heavy case and wiring with protective sheath over wires.

To me the advantages are;

1) old housing fit back in perfectly (of course, but I mention because I know I've had replacement parts not fit too well).

2) Housing and fan are made nice sturdy stock materials

3) Maintained factory look which I like.

So even though I saw these motors for as much as (or even more than) some full fan assemblies I think I'd go this route again.

RenegadeT

the later models do have an improved blade design...but the blade is not part of the motor

jatoxico

Right, that's what djb383 meant. Keep the fan blade and just replace the motor.