Electric Fan Saga

[david4451]

This my help anyone considering fitting a 12v cooling fan.
I fitted a Spal 16 inch cooling fan to my ST, along with a Derale adjustable thermostat controller, thus removing the clutch fan.
I wired the fan to function when AC came on as per supplied instructions.
The problems encountered were
1. Supplied 40 amp relay failed.
2. Supplied 30 amp fuse blew.
3. When in traffic AC compressor cut in and out rapidly, as load on alternator varied and rpm went high to low demand in cycles, as fan kicked in and out with AC.
I allowed the computer to relearn fuel trims and AC setting all to no avail. Living here in Philippines the AC is always on and have come to the conclusion that the electric fan set up is not reliable.
I've gone back to the stock setup and all is working fine.

 

[jd4242]

Those derale controllers suck,unless it has a slow start up option most fans with burn them up from start up..

I use 75 amp bosch relays..

May want to try a over drive pulley on the alternator,it will help voltage at idle..really anyone using a Efan should unless a Efan comes stock on the vehicle

 

[boominXplorer]

On my ranger I tied into the violet signal wire from the ac head for my signal. That way when ac or defrost is selected the fan constantly runs.

 

[MAS Tequila]

http://dccontrol.com/constant_temperature_controllers.htm

Check these out.

MT

 

[david4451]

Thankyou for replies, from what I can deduce is that after market fan control is a art form that is not been mastered. There is a lot more than following their instructions, especially the AC and fan working together at tick over.
I agree 100% with jd4242 Derale controllers are crap $52 for a lesson in marketing BS.
The Spal fan did cool the ST with no problem, but to have a suitable control set up is expensive. By the time I've purchased and shipped everything required it comes out at $500 plus, so I'll stick to the stock set up!!!!!

 

[jd4242]

Thankyou for replies, from what I can deduce is that after market fan control is a art form that is not been mastered. There is a lot more than following their instructions, especially the AC and fan working together at tick over.
I agree 100% with jd4242 Derale controllers are crap $52 for a lesson in marketing BS.
The Spal fan did cool the ST with no problem, but to have a suitable control set up is expensive. By the time I've purchased and shipped everything required it comes out at $500 plus, so I'll stick to the stock set up!!!!!

Alot of people use the Volvo controller with bosch relays,seems to work very well..

I dont use a controller at all..i use a summit fan screw in temp sensor and bosch relays..thats it..it has lasted 8+years now..


I agree with aftermarket not being any good

 

[Turdle]

I recently saw a fender mounted starter relay(solenoid) used as a fan relay. It clicks loudly when actuated, but should prove very reliable since it has such a high load rating. Just a thought.