Reversing Fan Push/Pull

[t3ase]

In a thread a few days ago, I asked if we would be able to reverse the polarity of the fans in order to change them pull to push. While at the kick ass dealership I've written about, I asked the techs and they said it certainly can be done. I had my old Accord setup with one push/one pull, but they were aftermarket fans, which I'm sure were capable of pushing/pulling more air then the stock ones.

Does anyone see a reason why I should *not* change the fan in front of the airbox to a pull instead of a push? The only thing they said might be affected would be the A/C condenser wouldn't be able to get as cold.

Kenetix, I believe it was you who kinda answered me in the last thread, but this is also for anyone out there (especially autocrossers who worry about heat) that may know.

 

[Fakhelek]

Mainly I wanted to bump this since I am curious about the result.

I do have some thoughts though.

First, the fans have to be DC since the car's power is DC. That being the case, it is a simple fact that the fan can be reversed. Just switch the wires and power will flow backwards causing the fan to run backwards.

As for whether it will hurt anything, I think it depends on when our fans kick in. If our fans run while the car is moving then your fan will be fighting the oncoming air to keep turning. At the least the fan motor will heat up. At worst, it will turn backwards (or forward actually since you will be driving it backward to begin with )and probably burn out.

Ultimately though I have no idea how powerful our fans are or how fast we have to be going for air circulation to cool the sensors enough to turn the fan off.

P.S. I just remembered that at idle if I turn on the AC a fan comes on automatically. I don't know which one it is so if it is the other fan it is fine but if not then you could be going 80mph with the AC on and your fan motor melting cause it is trying to turn in the face of 80mph wind.



Hope somebody intelligent comes along with some actual experience and info.

 

[soundbombing]

As long as you don't block your main air source like I did then you'll be fine. I don't see the advantages of switching it. The driver fan is for the radiator and dinky stock i/c, the passenger fan is for the a/c.

I have a thick i/c, piping, condensor, and 2 1" core aluminum radiator to go through with some aftermarket summit fans @ 900 cfm trying to pull. Needless to say the summit fans wasn't a smooth move. I don't have enough air going to the condensor so I can't use my a/c.

In a stock situation I would use some "water wetter" from redline, 15% coolant, and distilled water to help your temps if you are concerned.

I need to come up with some Flex-a-lite fans quick, no A/C on a new car blows.

 

[t3ase]

Well, I was wanting to switch it aid the airbox and possibly try the K&N with it pulling air isntead of pushing air into the cone..