FJS80Vette

my question is what sensor or sensors controls the electric fan on my 1980 corvette. It is on all the time the key is on. I bought this vette from my cousins's kids after he passed. He had it tore down to the short block and everything was in boxes so I do not know where some of this gets hooked up. What does the two prong sensor that screws into the back right side of the head do? thanks for your help in adavnce.

Doug1

Post a few pics. Sounds like the fans are hardwired in, probably a wire was run to the fuse box. Consider setting up a relay for the fans with a thermostat that senses the temp(mine kick on at 180 degrees).


I did have to buy a new thermostat housing for these size threads from local autozone, it was less than $10 for housing.

Big2Bird

That thermal switch runs the fan. Unplug it.

cam68

rodney dickman's automotive acc's. Low temp fan switch 186 degree/195 degree off/on use with 180 degree thermostat pigtail connector for switch 20.00 plus shipping

Maybe this will help you. I have this new switch and pigtail that I purchased for my 1980 vette just before someone totaled it. This was never installed. This installs in place of the one you have now in the passenger side cylinder head. The factory switch you have may be bad and it is designed to only come on at 260 degrees I think. I just remember reading an article that detailed this installation to make the fan function properly with a 180 degree thermostat. Anyway it is yours for 20.00 plus shipping if you want it. I think I paid about 45.00
for it all.

I also have some other parts left from my car if you are interested.

Best of luck!

FJS80Vette

that sounds like what i need. i have a 190 degree thermostat in mine. do they make them to work at higher temps, like 200?

FJS80Vette

what other parts do you have

Big2Bird

I believe 195* is tops.

Gunfighter13

This is the switch I replaced the factory unit with.
Check to make sure the harness plug has not melted the connection together.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/prf-30111

C6_Racer_X

The stock late 1980s Camaro GM / AC Delco coolant temp switch for the fan relay is 215°F on/200°F off, iirc. I use that switch for 190F or 195F thermostat applications. Don't get the c4 corvette switch. It turns on at 230°F or 235°F 238°F,and off at 220°F.

cam68

I am sure that they make them in higher temps, but why would you want your motor to run hotter. That was the problem with the motors in the 80's. Because of the pollution controls GM made them run hotter. Eats hp, lowers performance in my experience with this era of motor. My car ran so much better when I removed the pollution controls and installed the 180 degree stat so it could run like it was designed, Just my 2 cents,

I have quite a few parts left, mostly small stuff. It would be easier for you to send me a list of what you are looking for really. I will see if I have any of the listed items,

One thing I do have is the complete factory wiring harness I removed. The only thing that was cut was the radio connectors, and the power window connectors.

Big2Bird

I would also suggest you invest in the GM Shop Manual and the Assembly Instruction Manual. They are still available, and will help you in your quest.

C6_Racer_X

For those interested, the 215°F on 200°F off switch is GM Part number 14043275, AC-Delco D1855-B. That one is for 1989-1992(ish) Chevy Camaro/Pontiac Firebird V8's (and 2.8L V6 as well, I think).

To the OP's issues, you don't say what fan(s) and shroud you are using. Without a proper shroud, electric fan setups will usually overheat when sitting still, idling. The best electric fans you can get are generally OE fans for a similar weight FWD car. Ford Taurus fans, Dodge Intrepid Fans, 2000's Chevy Impala fans are all potential donors for electric fans for a C3. Find the one with the shroud that most closely matches your radiator core area, and make some brackets to hold it on the thing. Power it with relay(s) capable of handling the current (check the fuses and relays on the donor vehicle). Even "the best" aftermarket/performance electric fans are pretty weak compared to OE setups used by vehicle manufacturers.

The truth is, the stock mechanical fan, with a properly maintained fan clutch (replace the fan clutch and water pump as a unit when either fails), is more than enough to cool any engine that fits under your hood. It's far more likely to overheat with an electric fan than with the stock mechanical fan (in proper operating condition).

C3 4ME

Did your factory wiring plug right into this switch, or did you have to cut and splice to make it fit? I'm pretty sure the '80 electric fan is the same as the one on my '79, and therefore, in theory the wiring connector would probably be the same.

Gunfighter13

It was plug and play same as the one I removed.

FJS80Vette

Thanks for all your help. I did some looking on the car and found a pig tail plugged into the double prong connector and when I unplugged it the fan shut off. So I think I will install the original sensor in the back of the right head and see what Happens.

ldsuazo

hello

I saw you mentioned you have original wiring for the 1980 C3 Corvette Auxiliary Electric Fan, will this fan turn on when A/C is on, and how much do you want for the wiring (if still available), thanks.

Regards
LS