Is it true?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,064
Likes: 18
From: Arizona
Is it true?
I was told that our radiator fans turn off at 40 mph... Is that true?
I live in Arizona and its HOT.... If if I can keep the fans on after 40 mph it should cool the radiator better.
I live in Arizona and its HOT.... If if I can keep the fans on after 40 mph it should cool the radiator better.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
I don't remember the exact number, I believe it is 35mph.
Yes, it can be reprogrammed, but it wouldn't help you. The fans will become a restriction.
If you are overheating above 35mph, you have other problems.
Yes, it can be reprogrammed, but it wouldn't help you. The fans will become a restriction.
If you are overheating above 35mph, you have other problems.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
What are your temps if you take the car cold and hit the highway.
Steady state cruising.
Getting the fans set to a lower temp keeps the car from getting too hot. I did this, and haven't had any problems since, but I don't live in AZ.
I'm sure you know that 220 won't hurt anything.
Steady state cruising.
Getting the fans set to a lower temp keeps the car from getting too hot. I did this, and haven't had any problems since, but I don't live in AZ.
I'm sure you know that 220 won't hurt anything.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
Yeah thats tough on any car. You might look into a BigMouth air scoop. I removed my fog light (Z06 screen area) shrouds completely and it made a significant difference, but I don't have the stock shroud (SC), so it lets more air through the radiator from the front.
Thermostat ain't in the picture at those temps.
Thermostat ain't in the picture at those temps.
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Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
Yes, the radiator fans do turn off at speed. Keep in mind, that calibration was done for cars that are OEM and have air dams and properly sealed radiator shrouds. If you are getting too hot at speed and you are not fully sealed around your rad/condensor, you may consider changing those values in the tune and seeing what happens.
Most guys don't realize that the OEM shrouding and air dams ordinarily force air through the condensor and radiator, but when you remove or alter the shroud and a perfect seal is not attained, air will try to go around the radiator instead of through it.
Like sales people, the air will follow the path of least resistance
Most guys don't realize that the OEM shrouding and air dams ordinarily force air through the condensor and radiator, but when you remove or alter the shroud and a perfect seal is not attained, air will try to go around the radiator instead of through it.
Like sales people, the air will follow the path of least resistance
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
Seriously, the fans are not designed to run continuously, and I can't see them helping over say 60mph anyway.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,486
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From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
It may or may not -- I don't know since I haven't tried it, but I think there's a strong chance that it would suck air through the holes you added instead of sucking air through the radiator, causing low speed coolant temps to rise.
Last edited by Tony @ MPH; Jul 1, 2007 at 02:42 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,448
Likes: 4
From: Sarasota Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
The fans turn off at those speeds because they become a hindrance to airflow, not a help. I wouldn't change it.
You could try going to 100% distilled water + WaterWetter for coolant. That helped my temps a fair amount. Other common steps, like a lower thermostat, won't really help much at speed. If that doesn't get it, time for a bigger radiator.
You could try going to 100% distilled water + WaterWetter for coolant. That helped my temps a fair amount. Other common steps, like a lower thermostat, won't really help much at speed. If that doesn't get it, time for a bigger radiator.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,064
Likes: 18
From: Arizona
I have a Ron Davis radiator, 160 thermo.. The issue is that my FMIC sits in front of my radiator restricting flow.. As long as I am rolling on the freeway I am good... its in stop and go that the temps go up... I figured the fans may be a good idea...