1985 auxiliary fan switch?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 31
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1985 auxiliary fan switch?
The original auxiliary fan switch that screws into the right hand side of the block is set to turn the fan on at 235F.
Is there a switch that would turn it on at something lower? Like maybe 200F?
Is there a switch that would turn it on at something lower? Like maybe 200F?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Ecklers and others have switches with various on / off settings
Exp
http://www.zip-corvette.com/Zip/prod...D05DA93F138BAA
Exp
http://www.zip-corvette.com/Zip/prod...D05DA93F138BAA
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Orange Texas
I also have an 85 and had the same issue. I installed a switch that turns on at 200 and off at 185. The good news is that it solved my original problem of the switch never turning on, the bad news is that it is often switched on when I don't really need it. I suspect the temp in the head is unlikely to ever get below 185 once warmed up, so once it switches on it is on for the duration.
I'm now trying to decide whether to try to find a switch with a slightly higher turn on setting, or just putting in a manual switch to turn it off when I don't need it.
Anyone know where to find a switch that turns on at about 220 and off at around 200?
I'm now trying to decide whether to try to find a switch with a slightly higher turn on setting, or just putting in a manual switch to turn it off when I don't need it.
Anyone know where to find a switch that turns on at about 220 and off at around 200?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
You can have the prom in your ECM tuned to turn them on sooner which is the easiest way if your doing mods anyway. If you have a completely bone stock car I wouldnt bother messing with anything like that.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Not sure how easy it is to reprogram the 85 chip. Nor do I know many folks who do it. I do know, as the Demon said, unless you are big into mods stock works very well. I but a manual overide on my 85, haven't used it yet.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 31
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Is it a good idea or bad to put a 160 thermostat and a 200 cooling fan switch in a 1985?
What are the pros and cons of each?
For the pros I would think running the engine at a cooler temperature would be better for longevity.
What are the pros and cons of each?
For the pros I would think running the engine at a cooler temperature would be better for longevity.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
Personally, I thought 160 was a little cool for the thermostat. I went with a 180. I then installed a new fan switch that comes on at 195 and off at 180. I tied both fans to the switch, eliminating the need for a chip change. I am also using a Dewitt high performance radiator. So my temperature rarely reaches 200. My 85 has a factory oil cooler, so the lower water temp lowers the oil temp. That's a benefit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-180-a-14.html
or if you have some time to kill
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-vs-180-a.html
Last edited by rodj; Mar 28, 2009 at 01:32 AM.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 7
From: Chewelah Wa
On my 85....I have an adjustable switch that I ordered from JC Whitney, it works just like a thermostat so you can set it wherever you want. Mine comes on at 200 ,(not sure when it shuts off) I have a 185 thermostat with two 1/8 inch holes drilled in it. My aux fan comes on at stock temp 235 I believe.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 177
From: NE Ohio
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Went to auto zone and got a Camaro switch # BW TFS4 or FS4 (same one). Turns on 215* off 205*. Works great. Only runs when it is needed and doesn't run the fan needlessly
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
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From: Chewelah Wa
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Orange Texas
I have the same question. My local Autozone could confirm that is a good part number, and even had a picture of the switch, but they did not have it and supposedly could not get it.
After going home I looked up a 1990 IROC-Z Camaro on their web site and the radiator fan switch looks like the same part. They show it is available for special order at $5.99. That's cheap, if there is any chance this is the right part that would be worth trying anyway.
After going home I looked up a 1990 IROC-Z Camaro on their web site and the radiator fan switch looks like the same part. They show it is available for special order at $5.99. That's cheap, if there is any chance this is the right part that would be worth trying anyway.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 177
From: NE Ohio
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
If I said autozone that was a misquote. It was Advavce Auto.
Auto zone couldn't help me so I went to Advance.
Borg Warner site info
http://www.bwdbrand.com/web_app/catalog/bwd_bgBulk.aspx
Auto zone couldn't help me so I went to Advance.
Borg Warner site info
http://www.bwdbrand.com/web_app/catalog/bwd_bgBulk.aspx
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 6
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From: Reading Pa
Camaro fan switch on a Corvette
Last edited by SemiDryChicken; Jul 28, 2020 at 07:42 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 177
From: NE Ohio
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 91
From: Leander TX
I just wired in a toggle switch that grounds the relay for the aux fan. When I get stuck in traffic I flip the switch and then turn it off when I can get moving again. Just helps keep the car cool while sitting still with the AC on in a 100+ degree day.
Some info on how to do that here:
https://tech.corvettecentral.com/201...modifications/
Some info on how to do that here:
https://tech.corvettecentral.com/201...modifications/
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
Interrupt the wire from the sensor in the block to the fan....run the wire to a grounded three way toggle switch......it'll turn on when you want.....however.....I live in S Fl.....I see no difference when it's on.......on my 85..
