Temp control for electric fans

[krue]

What's the best way to wire my fans. On all the time, or temp controlled but both operating at the same time, or one for normal loads and the other for high loads? I'm doing this on a shoestring budget so keep that in mind.

[Tx Firefighter]

Definitely run a thermostatic switch to turn them on when needed only. Use a relay to control it, as the fans pool a lot of amperage.

Find a temp switch that has a temp range you're comfortable with, whether OEM or aftermarket from someplace like Painless Wiring.

[kelsfine69]

Try here
http://www.flex-a-lite.com/auto/html/vsc.html

There is a simpler one that you can adjust manually, I will see if I can find it

[kelsfine69]

Or Here

Part# 31147-Adj. Temp Sensor
http://www.flex-a-lite.com/auto/html...cessories.html


or


http://www.derale.com/electricfanaccess.shtml

[farside847]

On that topic, what is the optimum temp for an engine? Im sure there is such a thing as "too cool" and definately "too hot". Where is the nice middle temp? (feel like goldylox)

[67chevemall]

Just watch your temp gauge and use a switch on the relay

[jhow66]

Anything above 180*.

[beater69]

I've seen alot of performance vehicles running lower thermostats like 150 and 160. anybody got an opinion on that? I guess thats a silly question, of course someone has an opinion on that

[krue]

Originally Posted by 67chevemall

Just watch your temp gauge and use a switch on the relay

That's a good way for me to wind up on the side of the road!

[northcountry67]

I'm not sure about performance cars, but up here we want it as warm as possible without overheating. I run 180-185 in most everything.

[76bonanza]

I run a 190 deg thermo works great, heater is very nice also.

[72MARIO]

If they motor does not get hot enough the oil can not boil out the contaminats. 160 is TOO COLD. All new cars run a 195 or hotter. Even the 86 truck came with a 195.

[farside847]

Next question.... What is the temp on a stock guage? Mine normally runs at the line to the right of cold. It never hits the middle of the guage. Anyone know the actual temps for the lines on the stock guage?

[49studebaker]

I've heard of some running two fans where one runs off a thermostat and the other one comes on whenever the air conditioning is on. Don't know if I necessarily agree with that, but the idea I do like is others use an override switch mounted on the dash. During hot days in traffic or pulling a grade, it can be manually turned on. Temperatures between 180 and 200 degrees is what most seem to be set at.

[jhow66]

Originally Posted by farside847

Next question.... What is the temp on a stock guage? Mine normally runs at the line to the right of cold. It never hits the middle of the guage. Anyone know the actual temps for the lines on the stock guage?

Start of line is 180*--that is what mine shows with a extra mechanical gauge at 180*.