Has anyone ever converted to an electric fan? On a gx460 specifically?
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re_guderian
SILVER Star
Since dealing with perpetual cooling issues in a 2F, and 1FZ-FE in my 60 series and 80 series, I thoroughly enjoyed the relatively bombproof Mr. T-designed cooling system in both my 100 series (other than the heater T's), and now on the 460. I can count on zero fingers the number of water crossings I do that are "fan-high", and I have HP to spare, so I've never considered it. But I also live where it gets stupid-hot in the summer time, and I hated it when the 80's AC would cut out in rush hour freeway traffic on an August rush hour commute.
Do you know if any of the Prado variants had electric fans?
Do you know if any of the Prado variants had electric fans?
My 2010 460’s fan is super loud but I imagine it serves a purpose since even when I had a leaky radiator in a hot humid Texas summer my temp never budged. So it’s a trade off I suppose.
Has anyone done a similar mod in a 4R or GX before? I haven’t seen it but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. LOL
If you go for it, do not cheap out on a single component. There's so much cheap crap out there for e-fan conversions.
Learned my lesson the hard way.
Learned my lesson the hard way.
I have not seen anyone specifically do this on a 460. Side note… 460s with 3 zone HVAC have an electric fan for condenser on front of passenger side radiator…… 2 zone do not.
EDIT: This condenser fan setup for 3 zone HVAC exists for 10-22 model 460s. Starting in 2017 a base 460 could not be optioned with 3 zone HVAC.
The quick 3-zone interior check while shopping are the rear controls
EDIT: This condenser fan setup for 3 zone HVAC exists for 10-22 model 460s. Starting in 2017 a base 460 could not be optioned with 3 zone HVAC.
The quick 3-zone interior check while shopping are the rear controls
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re_guderian
SILVER Star
What year is your GX? I know early 100 series also had the additional electric fan (my '00 did) but they dropped it in later model years, despite no changes to the 3 zone climate setup - my '04 did not have the fan. Never had overheating problems in either. But regardless, the clutched fan moves a LOT of air. If it's strictly the noise, and you live in a cool enough climate, I guess you could always mess around with the viscosity of the fan cluctch oil, but you're still going to have the sounds-like-a-737-taking-off sound at startup. Switching fan clutch fluid was a common mod to the old 80 series clutches to keep them running more frequently (switch to higher viscosity oil) to combat overheating issues on the 1FZ-FE.And my truck has this...so I guess I'll be staying with the stock fan
I have not seen anyone specifically do this on a 460. Side note… 460s with 3 zone HVAC have an electric fan for condenser on front of passenger side radiator…… 2 zone do not.
EDIT: This condenser fan setup for 3 zone HVAC exists for 10-22 model 460s. Starting in 2017 a base 460 could not be optioned with 3 zone HVAC.
View attachment 2866692View attachment 2866693
The quick 3-zone interior check while shopping are the rear controls
Sorry to bring this one back from the dead, but wondering if the three-zone fan could be retrofitted on a two-zone GX? Would that ever be worth it? Didn’t realize the three-zone trucks got that upgrade plus the 150A alternator over the 130A.
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r2m
Richard
I don't think it can happen because it it embedded into the head unit too. When in "Climate" on the info screen, it offers another screen for the third climate zone plus the physical buttons that go on the back of the center console arm rest.
There is probably also plumbing to for vents both in the headliner and floor.
You'd be better off swapping out to a GX that has it already.
There is probably also plumbing to for vents both in the headliner and floor.
You'd be better off swapping out to a GX that has it already.
I have a 2009 470 and a 2021 460. I have explored replacing the factory belt driven fan. so far i cant find any reliable vendors (Chinese crap mostly). To be effective across multiple climates we need a solution that can perform in multiple climates for example: S. Texas where I live long periods of 100F and above with tons of humidity, to folks that might live in the PNW that have some 100F days but they have far more rainy colder days.
Requirements:
- Must be thermostatically controlled and option for manual control (water crossings etc.)
- Must be "puller" fan i.e. behind the radiator between the rad and the engine. https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/everything-need-know-pusher-fans/
- Must be shrouded, a fan with a shroud will draw significantly more air than an unshrouded fan, increasing overall performance
- Must pull 3300 to 6000 CFM (I can't find a solid number of what the factory 470 or 460 fan pulls while it is engaged)
are there any other points that would be relevant, I believe it would be a cobbled together solution, as there has not been enough demand to warrant a kit build.... I really like the idea and have bounded the idea off the GX overlord years ago.... if you need a solution it will be one off.
just my .02
MikeD>
Requirements:
- Must be thermostatically controlled and option for manual control (water crossings etc.)
- Must be "puller" fan i.e. behind the radiator between the rad and the engine. https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/everything-need-know-pusher-fans/
- Must be shrouded, a fan with a shroud will draw significantly more air than an unshrouded fan, increasing overall performance
- Must pull 3300 to 6000 CFM (I can't find a solid number of what the factory 470 or 460 fan pulls while it is engaged)
are there any other points that would be relevant, I believe it would be a cobbled together solution, as there has not been enough demand to warrant a kit build.... I really like the idea and have bounded the idea off the GX overlord years ago.... if you need a solution it will be one off.
just my .02
MikeD>
r2m
Richard
I believe the CFM should be dependent upon the shroud. No shroud, less, with a shroud more CFM?
Yes a shroud makes a huge difference. The goal would/should be to match but not crazily exceed the CFM that the factory fan pulls,. Being too much cooling or running significantly cold , it sounds good but don't forget that the radiator is heat exchanger for the transmission and heats the trans on start up and cools it as everything comes up to temp. everything has a too cold temp and too hot temp i would think we would want to mimic factory spec as closely as we could. does that make sense?
The OEM mechanical fans on the UZs and URs are highly reliable and work well in just about any climate/condition. I've had mine from -10F to 107F, with lots of camper pulling too. My GX has crept up to around 202F a couple of times dragging our camper up very steep grades near full-throttle. It's also been through 30" of water. It's a great system - and that fan is BIG. I am sure the e-fan could be done, but I'm not sure I understand the benefits over the stock system or a upgraded stock system (bigger trans cooler and aluminum radiator).
r2m
Richard
Regarding getting too cold, not often down were I live but sometimes one will see one of those tractor trailers with a zippered cover for the entire front grill partially unzipped and folded open. The idea is when they're in the northern latitudes in winter, they'll zip up that panel to keep less air flowing through the radiator so the engine and all don't get too cold.
Side note… I had to replace the fan clutch on my ‘12 @ 79k miles earlier this year. It was sticking on at low speeds and especially noticeable on cold starts which would require getting up around 2500 RPM or so for it to unlock. New one quiets right down in 30 seconds on a cold start.
