TJ Engine Cooling

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TJ Engine Cooling

by Robert Yates

Once we identified the space, I needed to work on a cooler. Given the location that was determined, a fan driven unit would have to be found. I have been a fan of Setrab equipment ever since I learned about them while looking at Trophy Trucks for desert racing. After some discussion with a Setrab engineer, I decided on a Setrab Fanpack model FP119M22.

This is a 19 row radiator style cooler with a Spal fan. In my opinion, you cannot beat the quality and design of Setrab equipment. Being completely sealed and shrouded makes it hugely efficient and the Spal fan driving it is a nice piece as well.

Here is the cooler mounted inside the corner. The photo was taken looking upwards into the tub. Since I long ago removed the plastic fender liners so that I could accommodate the outboarded shock mod, I needed only to cut out the remainder of the inner fender separating the wheel well from the corner so that the fanpack could be accommodated. This location (i.e. the cooler facing the wheel well) necessitated that a baffle be fabricated so that the cooler would not be damaged by debris kicked up by the tires or packed with mud and snow.

The fanpack operates by pulling air through so the baffle needed to be vented so as to provide good air flow to the cooler, as seen above. For all intensive purposes, it is inconspicuous.

Plumbing is AN-6 or equivalent with solid line mounted along the top of the frame rail to minimize exposure to damage and flexible steel braided line used at each end.

The adapter at the engine block for the oil filter is a Permacool (pn 181) which is a universal Chrysler model. This adapter also bypasses about 20% of the oil directly back to the engine without sending it to the cooler….this is as much as a fail safe as anything. Non bypass adaptors are available but I wanted the failsafe even though it will cost me some efficiency in controlling engine oil temps.

Lastly, the fanpack is controlled via a thermostatic switch which is designed to come on at 180 and off at 170. It is also switched off a relay and located inside the cab next to the cigarette lighter so that I can manually over-ride it for cold days as well as water crossings.