a/c compressor cycles and radiator fan not running

[ksdst1]

So today i decided to muck around with the ect thinking maybe when i replaced the rad a while back, i connected the ect male to female leads in their opposite order. Unplugged then replugged and no fan when turning on the a/c. Unplugged and replugged in the original positions and the fan engaged when i turned on the a/c....great! BUT, after letting the engine run to a higher temp and with the a/c off the low speed fan did not engage when the temp gauge started to move above 3 o'clock.....turned on the a/c quickly and again no fan..hhmm....so i banged the top of the fan housing and slowly the fan started making a slight rubbing noise...same situation w/o the a/c when the temp gauge moving higher.

Seems its slight resistance with the fan. I assume these fans don't take oil to loosen them up. If so i need to replace the fan. Great that at least i know the problem!!!

Anyone have advice on price or brand of fan to go for? after market or OEM? does it matter?