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Need Auxilliary Fan help.....

  • Thread starter Thread starter zog
  • Start date Start date
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zog

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I just bought a new GM factory auxillairy fan for my 86 Vette. I plan to pull the radiator, rplace all the hoses and clamps, etc., and install the fan.

I assume there is a relay required for the install, but I'm not sure. Does anyone know where to tap into the wiring for the fan power? Not sure how this all works...help???
 
If I remember correctly, the auxillary fan comes on automatically if the motor gets up to an unusually high temperature. In my L98 car, I ran my auxillary fan hot to the battery with a toggle switch that I wired in by the shifter. Are you looking for it to run all the time?

Jay
 
Thanks for the response

Actually, I bought a temperature switch assembly from Corvette Central that is supposed to turn the fan on at 200 degrees and off at 185 degrees.

It looks like the switch screws into the block and it came with some wires, etc for connections.

The intent is that the aux fan comes on at 200 and the main fan still comes on as normal...work???
 
A word of warning: if that's the fan switch that's supposed to REPLACE the factory switch to lower the temp, it won't work on our year. The temp sender for the dash display is in that port... don't ask how I know this :). Fan is completely controlled by the ECU in 86.

I too installed one and wired mine to a switch, though mine's just under the dash by the ALDL. Put a relay on the inside left fender and tapped into the battery directly via the big block of leads.

[RICHR]
 
I installed the Aux Fan kit from Mid America on my 86 and it was an extremely easy install. The kit came with an AC Delco fan relay and a low temp sensor that controls the relay thus by passing the ECM. The temp sensor provides the ground path for the relay coil. The sensor comes on at 194 and shuts off at 185. I also wired the same low temp sensor to control the main cooling fan so they both come on at the same time bypassing the ECM altogether. The ECM will still and try to shut your fans off over 40 MPH but to no avail.

I also installed a 160-degree stat to help with the desert heat. You will get many different posts on the 160-degree stat, all with exceptional good theories. Here is my $.02, when the overnight low doesn't get below 96 degrees (I've seen it not get below 100F) and the desert sun comes out you need all the help you can get in stop and go driving. The most important element in the whole process is a clean radiator, without that everything else is secondary. After the clean radiator the 160-degree stat was more important than the aux fan throwing air at the front of the condenser that is in front of the radiator. Having the fans come on at 194 is the next important factor. Waiting for the temp to get to 229 degrees (the factory temp sensor setting) and then try and cool it down is waiting to long in the desert heat. Like I said just my $.02, but my temp rarely gets to 205. If the lower temp plays havoc with the emissions then I will add a manual switch and allow the system to work as designed until the emissions test is over, then back to the real world and our beloved “Dry Heat”.
 
Handstjg, where on the block did the Mid-America sensor go? Left side front, where there's a plug usually?
[RICHR]
 
Wow..thanks for the help

One other question...it the relay you guys intalled the same as the relay for the main fan, or is there a different style for it...I don't suppose you have a part number for the AC delco unit...

I think I'll be ready to install this stuff on the weekend...thanks again..
 
Here is a link to a GM direct parts website.

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm

You can cut and paste this link into your browser address line. Once at the website for GM Direct Parts do an advance search for this part number #"14089936" relay assembly, it is listed as costing $7.03 plus shipping. Tom
 
Once again, a great web site

Thanks for all the feedback..I am ready. WIll let yo know how it comes out....
 
I've got an '88 and want to make the fan come on at a lower temp. I think the fan is actually a three speed unit. Anyone tell me if that's correct?

Summit Racing has a fan control kit that has a temp probe that sticks into the radiator fins. That in turn controls a relay to run the fan at an adjustable temp . It appears to have no hysteresis (on and off at same temp). I guess tha's OK. But...if my fan is really three speed can anyone tell me what the schematic for it is? I would control only the high speed winding.

The other option may be to burn a new chip to do it from the ECM. Anyone done that?

John
Hudson, OH
 
I am not totally certain, but I believe that all Corvette fans, whether primary or auxilliary, are only one speed fams. In fact, I have never heard of a car with a multispeed fan.

I also looked at the Summit Racing temperature gixmo you are referring to , but I felt it would be a patch job at best, and the kit from Corvette Central allows a temp swing (on at 200 and off at 185). It seems that it just has be be a more efficient unit....just my opinion....
 
Hi ZOG,
I have the instruction sheet that came with the fan kit I got from MidAmerica. If you want a copy I can email you a PDF file. Instructions are pretty good as far as wiring and component locations go.
 
Zog, Check your email, I just sent it out.
 
WOW Thanks

This is EXACTLY the information I was looking for. If I can't get it working from the info you provided, then I better sell the car. Super stuff, and I also reviewed and enjoyed your website...neat job.

Thanks again, and I hope I can return the favor sometime....Dave
 

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