HDClown
10-26-2001, 10:41 AM
So there are some posts that the 2002 A4 no longer has a belt driven fan. It has been replaced by an electric fan. So now there are 2 electric fans.
Apparently 1 of the fans is ALWAYS running. Is this true?
Given that the new A4 now has 2 electric fans, what are opinions of the Electric Fan Kit (EFK) mod to pre 2002 A4's?
BTW - This same post also said the A/C compressor is ALWAYS running. Sounded very odd to me. Is that true?
AWOT extra 23052
10-26-2001, 11:31 AM
I've been told that in really cold temps, turning your A/C on can damage your A/C. How can the compressor be running all the time. If it is, that sucks! I wonder is the 02 electric fan could be used in the 01? hmmmmmm.....
Audiot
10-26-2001, 02:57 PM
Yes, the compressor turns at all times. The way it works is that it has a plate that moves depending on needs of the cooling system. (a type of varible displacment compressor). If A/c is off the compressor lowers the displacment of the pistons to 0. Also in case the compressor locks up, the pulley on the compressor will break loose and free wheel so that the belt will not break.
cool huh?
HDClown
10-26-2001, 03:28 PM
what's your take on throwing one on a 2001 A4 1.8T now?
Longwolf (Christian)
10-27-2001, 05:23 AM
People on the forum swear it is a true 10-15hp gain....but not really a gain, it just frees up hp that is spent driving that fan. I have 2 and was waiting for someone to do it first before I did it to my car.
Audiot
10-28-2001, 01:55 AM
Very little, since it is not compressing anything it is almost free wheeling, It is actually less draw than pulling the viscous fan as previous
Audiot
10-28-2001, 01:00 AM
To me I like the reliablility of the viscous fan, but there are alot to gain by electrics. Hp is just one. Your A/c will be better when the car is at idle or low speeds too due to the increase in heat disapation.
It would be a rael easy thing to mod.
HDClown
10-29-2001, 05:33 AM
I never paid attention to any of the writeups about this, but I guess you basically disconnect the belt from the mechanical fan and remove it, then install an electric fan in place and wire it into one of the leads for something. So basically it's fully reversable with no adverse effects if done so?
So if that's the case, I may be a guinea pig for us, granted I have a tip and not a 5sp, but reguardless of that, if it really does offer any gain in anything, I should still be able to tell.