Hi All,

As above really, have just fitted a new alloy rad and twin fans to my van and would like to have the fans running all the time as opposed to being controlled by the engine temperature - how's best to do this ? I'm no spark myself so will have a go if it's simple or is it a job for a pro ?

Any help much appreciated !

 

if it uses a fan switch, then just permenantly earth the switch feed to trip the fan relay constantly.

Only do it if your fan relay is powered by an ignition run only circuit.

You dont want it running when ignition is off and you dont want it running during the start phase.

In fact i cant see why youd want it running constantly in the first place..... it wont be doing anything whatsoever except loading up your alternator and draining a few bhp off the engine until the thermostat opens.

 

a few words. NO no

NO









NO no,no,no no AND





















































NO !!!

 

Maybe not such a good idea then ? My engine just seems to run sooo hot, I just thought it'd help to have it running at all times ?

 

Fair enough !!! I'll think again then !................. but just so I know, why is it such a bad idea ?

 

If you have 2 fans and a larger rad and its still getting hot there is an underlying issue.

 

Usually theres 3 connections, wire to ignition, wire to relay then switch, earth back from switch. Then last should be to earth. Use a decent gauge wire because it will burn straight through it!!

That said. I've been there! Never again!!!

 

I've not run it with the new fans and rad yet - it wasn't overheating before, just seemed to run very hot - probably just me being a nob !

 

This is a SHIT idea.

Recommend
Fix the problem, allow fans to work properly.

This idea will result in fans and/or relays burning out.

 

When you say very hot under what circumstances is that ? are we talking normal use or round a track ?

What sort of temperature are you seeing and what are you monitoring it with ?

Running fans constantly is no good at all.

 

OK, idea scrapped ! Will get a spark to do the job properly !

 

Just normal use, will never see a track. Not monitoring it with anything, just my gut feeling ! My Saph and my 7 series (I know completely different kettles of fish) seem to take ages to warm up or get up to temperature but my van (just an Escort 1600cvh) seems to be up to temperature within like 30 seconds of being started up ! It never overheats and the old fan used to cut it and cool the engine as it should, it just always seemed extra hot to me !........ but thanks to everyone for the advice, I'll stick to getting it wired up properly !

 

Bloody ell mate. Defo no need for a "sparky". Could be as simple as a fooked stat. If u have a spare one then change it. If not run the engine without one for the afternoon and see if the same thing happens ??

 

If you run the engine without the thermostat for a day you know that the rad is always getting coolant through it! this means that if you are moving (50mph plus) you will be getting lots of cooling (and I do mean lots). your engine should not be getting hot but just operating temp. (can take a little time) If this is the case all is well fit new thermostat. If not your will need to work out where the blockage is or if your water pump is not flowing the coolant properly!

 

If its a turbo?

Msd " up rated fan switch" and 82 degree thermostat will help

Also people say the 82 degree thermostat didn't change anything but from my experience it only really works with the up rated fan switch, don't know why but its true

Swirl pot kit
Turbo cooler kit

Also I've found 1x 12" fan works better than 2x 10" fans, again I don't know why but it does for me

 

Another thing, fit a temp gauge as the temperature sensors on sale today are all crap and the idiots at ford sell you the wrong ones so a lot of the time read wrong

Put a aftermarket gauge in and see what it's doing for sure

 

or if u don't fancy a automatic switch , put it on a flick switch inside the car, you cant go wrong then.

U do have antifreeze in as well yea

 

Actually your car runs hotter with the MSD updated fan switch because it waits longer to kick the fans in.

 

there is several reliable routes you can take to getting the fans on for longer or at a lower temp but you need to address why its getting hot in the first place

if it warming up that quick then a blocked thermostat is most likely (Ł10 and half hour to swap) , try to get a "summer stat"

if thats not the cause then it could be a knackered water pump / running too lean / headgasket / the list goes on

run it till its up to temp then feel the radiator , it should be warm all over , if not then again - thermostat or water pump


as for the fans , i swear by the adjustable thermostats from kenlowe , its a probe that slides into the fins on the rad and is adjusted to cut the fans in wherever via a dial , easy enough to wire up too

 

also, if you wanted to wire them on permanent then i would run them through a relay (or 2 if the current draw is high) which is switched by the alternator so they only run when the engine is running

 

Just a gut feeling....


WTF.

 

Thanks chaps for all the advice and opinions - will consider the options and get it sorted !

 

Yep, gut feeling. As I'm sure you can guess, I'm no mechanic, hence asking others for their opinions and advice, which is gratefully received.

 

If it's not actually over heating then don't do anything mate.... sounds like your trying to fix a problem that isn't there.

 

You're probably right ! Will think carefully before making the next move !