Adding a temp sensor to my electric fan setup
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
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Adding a temp sensor to my electric fan setup
I would like to add a temp sensor to my electric fan setup. All the mods had been done to my 80 Vette when I got it. Currently, when I turn the key the fans begin running immediately and as far as I can tell run the whole time the car is running. There is a switch under the dash they disconnects them manually. I found a few threads about this. I don't think my 80 had an aux. fan so i likely don't have the factory wiring to use. I've been looking at some aftermarket kits but wondered if there might be some otehr options.
I would also like to know if I should try to put a fan shroud back on the car to help direct the air across the motor. The gap between the engine and radiator looks huge to me.
I would also like to know if I should try to put a fan shroud back on the car to help direct the air across the motor. The gap between the engine and radiator looks huge to me.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 672
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From: Chesapeake Virginia
the fan shroud is only needed if your running the mechanical fan. I'm not sure about the '80 but my '81 had the electric booster fan factory on it. I'm sure others will chime in shortly, I'd go with one of the aftermarket kits from Jegs or Summit and do it right, they will have the sensor wiring and relays to do it safely.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
I pulled my mechanical fan and installed a single 16" electric fan. Also pulled the factory fan shroud out. Picked up a Painless Wiring kit from Summit which included the sensor, relay, circuit breaker and wiring harness. Been on the car for 14 years without a single overheating issue.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
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I found these adjustable kits for dual fans. I see lot's of option now that I know what to look for.
I'm thinking the on at 200 off at 185 non-adjustable kits would work well too.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hda-3647
I'm not sure how this radiator probe would work....
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hda-3651
The Hayden kits may require different plugs for other brands of fan. That's not a problem though.
I'm thinking the on at 200 off at 185 non-adjustable kits would work well too.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hda-3647
I'm not sure how this radiator probe would work....
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hda-3651
The Hayden kits may require different plugs for other brands of fan. That's not a problem though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
I found these adjustable kits for dual fans. I see lot's of option now that I know what to look for.
I'm thinking the on at 200 off at 185 non-adjustable kits would work well too.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hda-3647
I'm not sure how this radiator probe would work....
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hda-3651
The Hayden kits may require different plugs for other brands of fan. That's not a problem though.
I'm thinking the on at 200 off at 185 non-adjustable kits would work well too.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hda-3647
I'm not sure how this radiator probe would work....
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hda-3651
The Hayden kits may require different plugs for other brands of fan. That's not a problem though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
I used a probe-style temp sensor.... it's cheaper, more effective, and less finicky to get a temp sensor that screws into the block near the thermostat and use that to turn the fan on and off
The probe style, at least for me, never seemed to stay set...
and you don't need a cowling for the fans; however, if you do they should be door-style like that open at highway speeds (look like mud flaps).
As for air past the motor, plenty of air gets in there through the radiator - the biggest problem tends to be getting the air back out. C3s have the side-vents; but they tend to be quite blocked from the factory, so as to not let enough air back out
The probe style, at least for me, never seemed to stay set...
and you don't need a cowling for the fans; however, if you do they should be door-style like that open at highway speeds (look like mud flaps).
As for air past the motor, plenty of air gets in there through the radiator - the biggest problem tends to be getting the air back out. C3s have the side-vents; but they tend to be quite blocked from the factory, so as to not let enough air back out
