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The mechanical fan of Lada is reliable but it has two disadvantages. Firstly,
it unnecessarily robs power from the engine; not much - but every bit counts
in a Niva.
More importantly, during water crossings the fan splashes water around under the bonnet that can kill the electrics - especially the distributor. Also spinning fan blades can twist when they hit water and risk damaging the radiator.
Replacing the mechanical fan with an electric one is relatively easy. You can either use an after-market fan, or one from a wreckers yard. Fans can be mounted in the original behind-the-radaitor position or in front (make sure you get one that goes the right way - apparently 'suckers' have different blades to 'blowers').
Click images for bigger view.
Various fans
To have an electric fan activated automatically when the engine gets hot you'll need to connect it with a thermal switch in the cooling system. After-market switches are available, or you can use one from a donar car.
Thermal switch
I'd also include a kill-switch so the fan can be easily deactivated while crossing water. I'd use a single-pole-double-throw (non-centre-off) switch to illuminate a warning light when the fan is off:
Also see:
Gadgetboy's guide to fitting
an electric fan on a Niva 1.7i 
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