Frequently Asked Questions
Why buy a Maradyne High Performance Fan?
- INCREASED ENGINE COOLING – Maradyne electric fans offer maximum performance at engine idle (when you need it most). Engine-driven fans are at their lowest rpm at idle.
- INCREASED HORSE POWER – Removing an engine-driven fan can increase horsepower as the engine drag from turning the fan is eliminated.
- INCREASED MPG – Removing an engine-driven fan can increase gas milage as the engine drag from turning the fan is eliminated.
- INCREASED A/C COOLING AT IDLE – Have you ever had you’re A/C blow warmer at a stop light? With the compressor turning slower at idle, increased airflow across the A/C condenser can help with cooler A/C at idle.
- CONCENTRIC RINGS - Larger Maradyne fans have rings that prevent the blades from flexing as they achieve maximum rpm. These rings keep the blades properly pitched for maximum airflow.
- SEALED MOTORS – On Champion, Mach and Jetstreme series fans, the motors are sealed and waterproof and dustproof to IP68 making them excellent for off-road applications where sand, dust or water can enter the engine compartment.
- DYNAMICALLY BALANCED – All Maradyne fans are dynamically balanced at the factory, with balancing clips just as you balance a tire to a wheel. This provides for smooth running, less noise and longer life for the motor.
- NATIONWIDE AND CUP SERIES PROVEN – Our flagship fan, the 16” Champion series M162K, is not only our most popular fan, it is the same fan we sponsor several NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Camping World series teams with. These teams value our fan as much for its ability to survive high speeds as for its performance. If it can cool an 800 hp 358 c.i. engine, it will likely cool your favorite ride. Most of our competition can not make this claim!
What size fan do I need?
- Determine what will physically fit. This is easiest to do if you remove the belt-driven fan and fan shroud so that you can accurately measure the radiator and the distance between the radiator and engine components.
- Measure the radiator core, which is the finned surface between the two tanks. Do not include the measurement of the cooling tanks. Select a fan that covers as much of the radiator core surface as possible. In many cases, you will be better off with a dual fan because the shroud will pull air through a larger area of radiator than a single fan.
- Next, measure the gap / distance between the radiator core and the closest engine component. You can then supply these dimensions to your sales rep.
Pusher or Puller?
If you are working with space issues, keep in mind certain model fans can be reversible so they can either pull the air or push the air through the radiator. In the majority of automotive applications, fans are set up in the “puller” configuration, to pull air through the radiator from the grille opening area. If space allows, this is the more efficient and preferred configuration. However, in some cases due to space issues and airflow characteristics it may be necessary to mount the fan in the “pusher” configuration. This configuration pushes air from behind the grille, but in front of the radiator, through the radiator. Although not the preferred configuration, the “pusher” configuration can work where necessary.
How do I identify if my fan is “reversible”, a “Pusher” or a “Puller”?
Maradyne clearly identifies this on our boxes, and in our catalog.
What is CFM?
CFM stands for Cubic Feet Per Minute. It is a measurement of airflow used for fans and blowers. Higher CFM = Higher Airflow.
What is a Direct Current (DC) motor?
Rotary electrical motors that converts direct current electrical energy into mechanical energy.
What is Voltage?
Unit for electrical potential – Fan products are typically identified as 12V or 24V, Direct Current (DC).
What is wattage?
Electricity is measured in units of power called Watts. A Watt is the unit of electrical power equal to one ampere (amp) under the pressure of one volt. One Watt is a small amount of power. Higher wattage = More Power. (NOTE: The more powerful CFM fan or fans you may choose, the more amp draw it will have. Make sure that your electrical system can handle the addition of an electric fan. Amp draws on 12” – 16” fans can range from 15-28 amps. Some dual applications can draw up to 35 amps.)
What is an IP68 rating?
Devices backed by an international standard rating of IP68 are deemed fit enough to withstand dust, dirt and sand and are resistant to submersion, up to a maximum depth of 1.5m, underwater for up to thirty minutes.
What is Proposition 65?
Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. These chemicals can be in the products that Californians purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment. By requiring that this information be provided, Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about their exposures to these chemicals.
Are Maradyne fans brushed (PMDC) or brushless (BLDC)?
Maradyne fans are brushed (PMDC) fans. A brush is Part of the motor that rides on the commutator that changes (+) and (-) fields within the armature to interact with the field ring. A brushless Motor (BLDC) is an electronically commuted DC motor which does not have brushes. The controller provides pulses of current to the motor windings which control the speed and torque of the synchronous motor.
How do I choose an electric cooling fan?
- Start with measuring the core size of the radiator, just the core. Do not include the measurements of the cooling tanks on each side or top and bottom of the radiator. This will give you an idea of what diameter fan can be used or what shrouded version fan can be used. (NOTE: Fans must cover as much of the radiator as possible. Fabricating or purchasing a shroud may be necessary.)
- Consider all aspects of the engine. If you are dealing with a stock or mildly upgraded engine you do not need a fan with a high wattage motor, or highest rated CFM. If you are dealing with a mid to highly upgraded engine you will want to consider the fans that have a higher wattage motor with maximum CFM or air movement. Fan motor wattage can range from 90w to 225w in the 12v configuration. If your application is stock or mild now, but you plan to upgrade it in the future, there is nothing wrong with using a higher wattage, higher CFM rated fan, as the fan is controlled by the temperature sending unit.