Taurus Electric Fan Install
In the last couple years I've been having intermittent overheating problems, but only in the most extreme conditions. Recently it's been getting worse, but still only when it's been over 90 deg out while going up a grade. Since the radiator was original I decided I might as well just replace it. Normally, that would have been it, no modifying. I don't like to change anything on the engine or tranny because of reliability concerns. However, there has been talk about a Ford Taurus Fan fitting like a glove onto the 3.0L V6 radiator. At around $30 at the junkyard, it is a pretty cheap modification so I figured I would try it while the radiator was out. Most people on the internet say the fan can be found in any 88-95 Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable with the 3.8L V6. The fan will have a flat motor and 3 wires.
I did some research on www.pirate4x4.com and followed Rome the seafarinman's writeup on yotatech and also a writeup on a mustang page. Basically, I followed what everybody said and everything bolted right on. I won't go into the install much more than this because it's been covered fairly well on the above web sites.The wiring is setup so low speed comes on with temperature and ignition. Some people hook up the fan so it automatically comes on when the A/C is turned on, but I noticed my 4runner already has an electric fan that comes on with the A/C. It's also wired so I can turn it off for water crossings and turn on the high speed function "just in case."
So far my temperature gauge is rock solid where it always is. I still need to test it up steep grades in 100+ deg weather...that might have to wait until next summer.
*Picture courtesy of Rome (seafarinman).