Cooling fan question..

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May 27, 2004 | 09:04 PM

JB666

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Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 7,178

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From: Bahston Mass.

Cooling fan question..

When I was under the car tonight, changing the oil, I figured I'd stay under there, and check for leaks while it ran for a few minutes(up on ramps). I noticed that neither of the fans were spinning.. I thought one fan spun all the time, and the other came on at higher temps??

I'm sure this is wrong, but what's the cycle for fan#1??

And I'm SURE this is a :beatdeadhorse: subject!!

May 27, 2004 | 09:09 PM

LT-4 CE

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Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH

Re: Cooling fan question.. (JB666)

Not sure of the specific temps, but if I recall there are two stages to the fans, first on at about 220 (+or-) and the second on at 238??? I may be high, but I am pretty certain that one doesn't run all the time.

When I had my computer done, I installed a 160 thermostat and had the fans programmed to kick on stage 1 at 183 and the second I beleive is about 205. It has never been to 190 in the year since that has been done.

May 27, 2004 | 11:10 PM

jfb

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 54,124

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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA

Re: Cooling fan question.. (JB666)

The main fan comes on at 228 F by the ECM. The auxiliary fan comes on at 238 F by a thermostatic switch in the left head between cylinders 1 and 3.

May 27, 2004 | 11:14 PM

BlkMagik

Instructor

Joined: Feb 2001

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From: Anchorage AK

Re: Cooling fan question.. (LT-4 CE)

Quote:

When I had my computer done, I installed a 160 thermostat and had the fans programmed to kick on stage 1 at 183 and the second I beleive is about 205.

That sounds like a good idea, was that expensive/difficult?

May 28, 2004 | 02:30 AM

vettenut85

Instructor

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 163

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From: machesney park il

Re: Cooling fan question.. (BlkMagik)

you can buy a cooling fan switch from ecklers or corvette central.i got the one that turnes on at 195 and off at 180,i also changed to a 180 thermostat,i wired the new switch into both fans, when both fans come on she cools down to 180 super fast.you dont have to get a new computer chip unless you are going that route anyway.

May 28, 2004 | 06:18 AM

LT-4 CE

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From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH

Re: Cooling fan question.. (BlkMagik)

Quote:

When I had my computer done, I installed a 160 thermostat and had the fans programmed to kick on stage 1 at 183 and the second I beleive is about 205.

That sounds like a good idea, was that expensive/difficult?

The thermostat was cheap ($15 or so) and easy to install. As a 1996, to reprogram my fans I had to reprogram the entire computer. I had http://www.pcmforless.com do mine and they did a very nice job - doing some other things as well. There are some forum members who seem to be getting rave reviews for the computer work they do as well. Ended up being about $200 to do the computer if I recall.

May 28, 2004 | 08:51 AM

LT4BUD

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 3,524

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From: Hinckley Ohio

Re: Cooling fan question.. (BlkMagik)

BlkMagik

Alaskan Daily Driver?????????

:crazy:

On your 86 you will need to change the chip to adjust fan turn on/off temps...different from 96 where you reprogram the computer...

[Modified by LT4BUD, 7:51 AM 5/28/2004]

May 28, 2004 | 09:56 AM

Strick

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From: Lake Wylie SC

Re: Cooling fan question.. (JB666)

Here is what I did as a way to control the fans: I found the ground wires that go to the ECM from the fan relays. Normally, the ECM controls the fans (using the sensors) by completing the ground and signally the relay to power the fans on. [also, the A/C when turned on, starts the fans] BUT at 35mph, the ECM turns off the fans as they are not needed above this speed. Back to those wires I found, I put a switch for each fan in my cockpit (under the ash tray lid) so I can turn on the fans when in traffic or slow cruising without turning on the A/C. BUT, I have to remember to turn them off above 35mph as I by passed the ECM control of the fans with the switches on. I just love switches. Along with the electric water pump I have, I can cool the engine rapidly after shutdown by just turning the key on and switching the fans on. :cheers: