Lately, I've been feeling like the '96 cooling fan shroud works great at low speeds, but restricts airflow at highway speeds. I'm wondering if that's why Ford eliminated the giant shroud for '97.
My car runs cool in traffic, yet hot on the highway in California heat--around 225 degrees, with A/C running. I've been trying to understand why, for years. This is with a properly bled system, a 97+ A/C condenser, stock replacement radiator, and intact air dam/deflector.
Stationary, or at low speeds, the fan cools the engine quickly. At 80 mph, I just can't see much air getting past that shroud and spinning fan. (I know others have said their fans cut out at highway speeds, but mine runs anytime it needs to).
I've read a bit about cars with shrouds that have cutouts and rubber flaps to address this issue. I'm replacing my original fan in about a week, and am thinking about modifying it with flaps, before I retire it. Anyway, does anyone have any thoughts or experience with any of this--the giant shroud design blocking airflow? Thanks.
My car runs cool in traffic, yet hot on the highway in California heat--around 225 degrees, with A/C running. I've been trying to understand why, for years. This is with a properly bled system, a 97+ A/C condenser, stock replacement radiator, and intact air dam/deflector.
Stationary, or at low speeds, the fan cools the engine quickly. At 80 mph, I just can't see much air getting past that shroud and spinning fan. (I know others have said their fans cut out at highway speeds, but mine runs anytime it needs to).
I've read a bit about cars with shrouds that have cutouts and rubber flaps to address this issue. I'm replacing my original fan in about a week, and am thinking about modifying it with flaps, before I retire it. Anyway, does anyone have any thoughts or experience with any of this--the giant shroud design blocking airflow? Thanks.