Add-On Fan Makes Power Stroke Engines More Efficient

Add-On Fan Makes Power Stroke Engines More Efficient ENGINES Engines 25-6-29 The Power Stroke diesel engine found on Ford's F-series pickups comes factory-equipped with a fan that stays engaged all the time. However, tests show the fan is really only needed about 2 percent of the time. It's a drain on horsepower and fuel. A Chicago, Ill., company says its new Cyclone Power Fan frees up about 40 hp that the engine would otherwise be using to operate the fan. It replaces the original factory fan and automatically disengages when it's not needed. The fan's control unit, located in the cab, is equipped with thermistor fluid sensors that read changes in temperature outside and in the engine coolant and transmission fluid. A power light on the control unit indicates whether the fan is engaged or disengaged. The unit is equipped with a manual override option that allows you to activate the fan for specific needs. For example, if you want the air conditioner to deliver extra cooling inside the cab. Or if you're towing a load and going downhill, when braking is most stressful to the vehicle, manually engaging the fan can safely add retarding horsepower to slow the momentum of your vehicle. The company says the Cyclone is a better overall value than either power chips or performance headers and exhaust systems. They say it offers the same increase in horsepower and fuel savings, but also delivers improved air conditioner performance, improved cooling to the engine, and transmission, and can assist with engine braking. Three models are available, depending on the year of the pickup and the cubic displacement of the engine. The three models range in price from $495 to $575. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, U.S. Gear Corp., 9420 Stony Island Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60617 (ph 800 874-3271; Website: www.usgear.com).

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