Get to Know Your Cooling System - Fan Blades

How Fan Blades Help Keep Your Engine Cool

One of the most important components in your semi-truck's engine cooling system, fan blades are designed to help reduce the amount of heat coming off the engine. If you've been wanting to learn more about how fan blades help keep your semi-truck on the road, you're in luck. As part of our ongoing series of articles designed to help increase your knowledge on the subject of engine cooling, our experts have put together the following article on fan blades. 

Read on to learn more about what fan blades do, how they work, and ways in which you can determine whether you need a replacement. 

What Do Fans Do?

In a semi-truck, the fan clutch controls the speed of the fan blades. As they spin, the fan blades are able to dissipate heat by producing a cooling airflow. When your truck is in motion, air is being forced through the radiator which helps to reduce heat. If you are driving, the process is efficient. However, it is not as effective in traffic or while stopped. Your truck requires that air continue passing through the radiator core in order to make sure your engine doesn't overheat. At this point is where your cooling system fan does its job. The fan in your commercial truck keeps air flowing to the radiator core, so that your engine is cool at all times.

How Does A Semi-Truck Fan Work?

In a fan clutch, the Piston Friction Disc (PFD) pushes the flow of pressure toward the friction material. Then, the spring overrides the pressure, forcing the fan to start. When the valve closes, air is exhausted and the spring returns to its original position.

What Types of Fans Are Available?

In today's market there are three kinds of fans available for your semi-truck. Which is right for you depends on your specific needs and the type of truck you operate.

• Belt-driven fan: The typical belt driven fan works with a pulley and fan belt system. It is on when your vehicle is running and will increase fuel consumption and workload.
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• Clutch fan: There are two styles of fan clutches available today – non-thermal clutch fans that rotate based on shaft speed, and thermal clutch fans that operate according to the temperature of the system. With a thermal fan clutch, the fan is engaged when the system's heat increases and brings air to the radiator. These fans reduce engine stress when cold and provide better fuel economy.
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• Electric fan: Electric fans use a sensor and your truck's computer. They are designed to monitor what is going on with your cooling system and operate accordingly. When your engine heats up, the electric fan will turn on. To help keep your engine as cool as possible, electric fans keep running while the engine is off.

Signs You Need A New Fan

A bad or failing fan clutch can leave your fan badly damaged, so it's important to make sure you check your fan blades whenever you check your fan clutch. If the cooling fan motor fails, the blades won't do their job and won't generate air flow. If that happens, the engine's temperature will climb until the engine overheats. When your truck's engine overheats, you'll see warning lights to come on that indicate such. Here are a few signs that you may need to consider a replacement fan.

• Decrease in acceleration.
• Decrease in power.
• Decrease in fuel efficiency.

Read More About Engine Cooling!

Now that you know a little more about the fan in your semi-truck's engine cooling system, you may want to take a look at some of the articles we've developed on the subject. Click any of the links below to read more about the components that cool your engine.

·       Getting to Know Your Engine Cooling System

·       Getting to Know Your Engine Cooling System: Charge Air Coolers

·       Getting To Know Your Engine Cooling System: Cooling Tanks

·       Getting To Know Your Engine Cooling System: Fan Clutches

·       Getting to Know Your Engine Cooling System: Oil Coolers

·       Getting To Know Your Engine Cooling System: Radiators

·       Getting to Know Your Engine Cooling System: Water Pumps

Shop Fans Today!

If you are looking for a replacement fan for your commercial vehicle's engine cooling system, then you've arrived at the right place. We have plenty of fans for you to choose from by BorgWarner, Kit Masters, Horton, and all of your favorite manufacturers.