Hey all - I just had to pull my e-fan to get to other stuff and it's looking pretty tired. I had to mangle the connector just to get it apart, and it looks fairly corroded inside. Also the plastic housing has a big crack in it though no pieces have fallen off yet. Since this one probably has 296k on it, I think I might as well just replace it. I know the stock fan is perfectly good - any idea where to get one or what brand to look for? I'd rather just get a new one than pull one from a junkyard.

Thanks a lot!

 

RockAuto has e-fans. I bought one years ago and it's served me well.

 

Gotcha - looks like Dorman for $66, TYC for $66, or VDO/CONTINENTAL for $67 - probably go with the last one you think?

 

Doesn't matter honestly. They're all probably made in the same factory in China.

 

They PROBABLY ARE

 

I purchased an Ebay special a few years back for about $45 and thinking so far so good.
I originally purchased it cause it looked just like factory in the picture.
But when it showed up it did not.
At first I was pissed but after taking a closer look at it liked what I saw.
The wiring from it was longer then the original so I could take it out and move out of the way still connected very easily.
Also the tabs at the bottom are wedged and don't use those spring clips.
So pulling it up does not result in snapping the tab off.
Cause for the original best to get under there and release the spring clip before pulling up.

 

Funny enough, I thought of that post as I was leading OP's original.

I liked the thinking behind it & improving on the original (or, rather, the last incarnation of the OEM one) but finding the self same one on eBay now might not be so easy.

 

So I couldn't find it in my purchase history.
But since I save all my emails was able to find the fan purchase.
And it was 4 years ago.
It led me here and says at the top of the page that I did buy this item.
Anyway as you can see, what I saw back then, that it looks factory but.....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/262288003897

 

Ralph77, I really appreciate you taking the time to look all that up - how could I not try it after that!! Just ordered on Ebay - it's basically the same price as all the others out there. Thanks a ton!! Ought to have it early next week!

 

Well I just hope that they haven't changed it.
Post some shots so we can see it when you get it.

EDIT:
I just thought of something.
Did you check to see if this fits your XJ?
Cause I am under the impression the connector has changed over the years.

 

The 1st multi-blades fans had the same connector as the 6 bladed ones, they are v. few & far between so could only have been for a year maybe but I think that was the only change.

However, changing the connector (or even the pigtail) is no big deal.

 

shame, late to the party I know, but I was gonna say, just bypass the dodgy connector, and fill the crack with reinforced filler, and it all will be well

Mine has been like that for years.

I advise dont throw the old one away just yet

 

Yes, there are at least 2 styles of connector plugs. My replacement was different than stock connector in my 1990 jeep, but no problem, cut and splice the old fan connector on new fan if need be. I soldered my wires rather than use a crimp splice easy peasy

Yes a lot of the new stuff is chicom made. If you want factory, a wrecking yard might have one that is factory. I prefer to not enrich the red chinese, so avoid stuff made there when ever practical to do so.

 

Yeah I know it is that easy and not that I wouldn't do it but to hack a new part like that would kinda bug me.
Would prefer not too.

 

Seems a small price to pay if you want to upgrade from the old 6-bladed job.