matjow: The fan motor has failed. The reason it starts with a "push start" is that an electrinc motor needs the most power to just get started. Once started, it will keep going. Elecric motors generally don't fail while running. It's on startup.
I have been looking into aftermarket engine cooling fans, but have had to focus most of my time on getting an new job, so limited time has been available.
I HAVE learned that the CFM ratings available within even the exact same diameter fans varies dramatically ( up to 3 times the CFM or more from same physical diameter and depth). We want high CFM so we can create more flow through that radiator AND push more hot air out of the underhood area faster (with higher CFM, you not only move more air IN but you also pressurize a bit to force more OUT. Regrettably, I do not know the CFM rating for the stock fan, Whatever it is, we want to double or triple it.
The second big essential is duty cycle. I wouldn't buy a fan with less than a 100% duty cycle rating. That means that it can run ALL the time if necessary (which in the case of an SSR in a hot climate IS the work environment for the fan!).
The third thing is 2-speed capability. This is not essential, but it would be very nice. The reason is that an electric fan is much better than a mechanical fan in one important way: it consumes less power in total, as it is not physically tied to match the current rpm of the engine like a mechanicla fan is.
However, since we are going to be increasing CFM, we are also going to be increasing power draw (more amps). On my regeared SSR, where the engine is spinning 22% faster on average, there is no issue with the alternator being able to keep up. In fact, I have excess capacity that the fan can use part of. But, on a stock setup, that higher amp fan is a bigger drain on the alternator and battery, so having a 2-speed is nice. With a 2-speed, the higher speed, which pulls more power, only comes on when actually needed. Sometimes the slower speed is all that will be required.
Also, the SSR is setup for 2-speed fan. If we install a single speed fan, I think that the PCM is going to detect the fact that the 2nd speed has not responded when commanded to, and may wear out the relay TRYING to get the 2nd speed started. I am not sure of this, but why gamble?
Let's find a fan that is:
- From a reputable supplier
- 100% duty cycle
- 2 to 3 times the CFM rating of the one we have (how do we find out what we have?)
- 2 speed
- Fits in terms of size without interference with anything else
- Installs EASILY rather than being an epic
OR
a dual fan capability with all the above features (that would theoretically cover a broader portion of the radiator AND since electric motors seldom fail together, when one fails, the other would still provide some cooling (maybe even a much as the stock fan does today!)
But, with my current job hunt and book writing responsibilities, someone else needs to do some searching.
Jim G