Electric Radiator Fans Questions

[dasnoboarder]

Hey

1) I've got some measurements for the core of a MU 2.8L radiator (550mm wide by 418mm high, which is about 21.6 inches wide).

From this I guess I should use two 10" fans?

I know geeves has said in the past that SuperCheap ones aren't the best, anyone know of cars to look for in the scrapyard with reliable 10" fans?

2) Also, where's the best place for the thermoswitch?

Is the most reliable way to install one in the bottom radiator tank? Is the MU one sturdy enough for this?

A easy set-up I saw is this one by Iananita:


What does the standard sensor in this place do?

3) If I use electric fans and leave the radiator in standard position; will the water flow be ok with a 2" body lift?

E.g. the radiator will be higher than standard in relation to engine.


Cheers for any help,
Andy.

[geeves]

I think from memory someone used a fan and cowl off a falcon

[geoff]

My brother uses a twin fan setup off a jap car in his valiant v8. Not sure what they are out of but theres two different sizes, looks like a 10" and 12" I think, still mounted on their factory frame.
I dunno if a diesel needs more than that or not..............

[geeves]

Engine may produce less heat but its also subjected to more low speed low rev driving off road so its fan requirments are more

[iananita]

I got fans off a Ford Mondeo, slightly wider not as high but welded up frame to hold them.
I wrote up the build on the older site or see it here http://forum.australia4wd.com/index.php?showtopic=16363

The thermo switch was made by Tridon TFS 111 but on the Rodeo in Aust that hole is blanked off, I have asked before what purpose it is for on the 4JB1 but got no answer.

Is it blanked on a MU with pollution gear or cold start gear?

You are removing the fan not water pump.

Thermoswitch would be better in radiator but manufacturers mostly put sensors in block.
Craig Davies make adjustable sensors to fit into hoses cost $70+ the tridon cost $35.

[dasnoboarder]

Cheers for info,

Where you have your thermo switch, on my MU engine there is a temp sensor with 2 wires running out of it.

[geeves]

before investing in a electric fan you might want to read this
http://performanceunlimited.com/documen ... mpare.html

[mulover]

Some people have a bigger "main" fan, and a smaller secondary fan. The secondary is set a little higher so its not going all the time to save power. Down side is you need 2 temp sensors.

[Demonic]

I remember on the old forum there was a thread where the person cut the radiator hose and added a section of pipe with a temp sensor screwed into that.

[jezza]

why not keep the factory fan and just fit a clutch on it? like horton drives

[geeves]

The viscous fan works well if in good condition although it can be dragged into the radiator in water

[dasnoboarder]

Cheers for all the opinions.

Has there been any Isuzu owners who have found that their electric fans provided insufficient cooling in slow speed off-roading?

Would a large shroud help?

The reason I want to do something with the fan is to stop it hitting the radiator in water, and spraying water/mud all over the rest of the engine.

If I could stop this, I'd be happy to just lower the radiator to match the body lift.

Is there any good links explaining the operation and installation of a clutch fan? Don't know how they work.

Cheers,
Andy.

[pig75]

I have 2 10"super cheap fans they only just keep up with the cooling when crawling around
http://clubisuzu.proboards.com/index.cg ... 342&page=1

[dasnoboarder]

Thanks Pig,

If I go for electric fans, I might have to get a larger electric fan setup than 2x 10" (maybe find a 10" and 12" system from another car) or maybe add fans infront of radiator as well

Andy

[dasnoboarder]

Just did a quick calculation, a single 16" fan will cover a little bit more area than a 10" & 12" dual system.

Is a dual system more efficient than a large single?

[dasnoboarder]

After I've found a deep semi-circle gouge in the back of my radiator from engine fan,
I've decided to go ahead and try the twin mondeo fan system.

They arrived today, tested by connecting directly to 12V, man do they blow a lot of air!
I was just testing one at a time and I was impressed!

Will give an update on how install goes later.

Wondering if anyone knows a good place to put a sensor/probe for water temperature gauge?
Seems like the engine needs the two sensors in the thermostat cover from factory, so theres not much space there.

Radiator thread like thermoswitch or a radiator hose adapter would be the easiest place, but if possible I'd like it to be able the temperature of water in the engine (i.e. so that its not affected by the thermostat).

Cheers,
Andy.

[geeves]

Ideally the sensor for the fan should be in the bottom of the radiator. This then reads the temp of water leaving the radiator so if you have good airflow the fan isnt used unnecessarily. It will work ok in the top of the radiator but is less efficient.
One of the 3 sensors in the top of the thermostat housing is for the temp gauge. If you want the actual temp in degrees you can replace this with one to match your gauge.
What current are your fans drawing

[dasnoboarder]

Thanks geeves, I'm planning to put the thermoswitch for the radiator fans in the bottom radiator tank now.

I am wanting to install a water temp gauge for an actual reading, just not sure if I want to remove the factory one.

After searching the net I have found that some install the temperature sensor/probe into the side of the block.
Does the 2.8 engine have a place like this? Or somewhere convienent to tap a thread (apart from the thermostat cover)?

[iananita]

Use the block drain plug, located left side near back of fuel pump

[iananita]

[What current are your fans drawing[/quote]

On start up 7 amps each but settle to 5 amp each running.

Does make noticeable amp draw when a/c running, lights + 2 x 100w spots, 12v fridge running even at 2500rpm.