Spal Fan Switch
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,039
Likes: 105
From: State of Confusion!!!
2018 C2 of Year Winner
Spal Fan Switch
My '71 B/B was fitted with dual Spal fans, and they work great to keep it cool, but when I run them with the switch that over-rides the thermal switch...the toggle switch gets hot to the touch. 
Any ideas why??? Do I need a switch that can handle more amps?? Also, how hot is too hot for aluminum heads?? It runs at about 210* and the fans are supposed to come on at 180* When I turn the fans on manually, it brings it down to about 190* I know the gauge could be off, I'll be checking that next. Just wondering what temp I should get
at!!
Thanks for the help
Any ideas why??? Do I need a switch that can handle more amps?? Also, how hot is too hot for aluminum heads?? It runs at about 210* and the fans are supposed to come on at 180* When I turn the fans on manually, it brings it down to about 190* I know the gauge could be off, I'll be checking that next. Just wondering what temp I should get
at!!Thanks for the help
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
make sure that switch isnt in the main power feed to the fans. If it is, there is definatley too much current going through it. The switch will burn out soon, and your not getting as much power to the fans. That override switch should be only carying a very small load to control the fan relays.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,039
Likes: 105
From: State of Confusion!!!
2018 C2 of Year Winner
I was told by the previous owner...who did the install, that the switch is on a separate circut so the relays fail, you can turn the fans on manually. (So it sounds like the main feed to me) I was also informed that when I run the A/C, I need to have the switch on so the fans run constantly. That is why I'm concerned about the heat buildup in the switch!!
Any thoughts??
Any thoughts??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 950
From: Keizer Oregon
The main switch for your fans needs to be rewired!!!!! You absolutely need to use the relays correctly or you are risking an in-dash fire....... 
Last edited by oregonsharkman; Apr 1, 2006 at 06:25 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,186
Likes: 45
From: detroit area
sunds like he did a bubba circuit...
switch should run to relay....... i'm sure you can install a thermostat/sensors to turn the fans on automatically.......
who needs a/c when u have t-tops/vert
b
switch should run to relay....... i'm sure you can install a thermostat/sensors to turn the fans on automatically.......
who needs a/c when u have t-tops/vert
b
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Fix this before you have a fire. You should also be able to wire it so that when the AC is on the fans come on and run. Sounds like Bubba wired this. If needed you can contact Dewitts and I'm sure he will help you out with wiring this correctly.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
DIP51, where in CT you located? I'm up in Boston finishin up my last few weeks of school, but home is in Wallingford. Soon enough I'll be movin back to the area.
maybe i'll see you at some local events. I usually hit up the good car shows. The one at Quinnipiac University is awesome. I think there were over 800 cars last year. including a whole bunch of vettes. not sure on the dates yet, but look into it.
Joe
maybe i'll see you at some local events. I usually hit up the good car shows. The one at Quinnipiac University is awesome. I think there were over 800 cars last year. including a whole bunch of vettes. not sure on the dates yet, but look into it.
Joe
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 2
From: Ft.Worth Texas
Originally Posted by JoeRags
definate fire hazard. fix it immediatley.
I have a 190* thermostat that came with my Spal setup. I pulled a plug out of the passenger side head, put the thermostat in, and it works great.
I have a 190* thermostat that came with my Spal setup. I pulled a plug out of the passenger side head, put the thermostat in, and it works great.