The engine cooling fan can provide an additional engine drag of approximately how many horsepower?

The engine cooling fan is designed to regulate the engine's operating temperature by forcing air through the radiator and cooling system. The amount of horsepower that the cooling fan can add as drag depends on several factors, including the fan design, size, speed, and the total cooling demand of the engine.

The correct range of approximately 15-40 horsepower indicates that the impact of the cooling fan can be significant, especially under high-load conditions where the engine generates more heat and requires additional cooling. This range reflects a realistic assessment of how much power is used by the fan relative to the overall power output of the engine. As engines have evolved and become more efficient, the amount of horsepower consumed by the cooling fan can vary, but the selected answer accurately captures a common performance characteristic found in many engines.

The other ranges provided, while they may reflect certain scenarios or smaller engines, do not encompass the broader spectrum of power consumption associated with cooling fans in larger and more powerful engines. They underestimate the potential horsepower drag that can be placed on the engine when maximum cooling is required.