Electric fan switch issue - Need HELP!

[cheapthrillz]

I have an 86 z28 that I did a motor swap in, and the electric fans were jerry rigged to work when I pulled it apart. So the question is, How do i need to wire the electric fan back up to work properly? The wires coming from the fan motor are like 12 or 14 gauge, so i ran the power wire directly to the battery and I ran the ground with a 18 gauge wire to a 2 prong manual switch in the cab and grounded it to the chasis. The switch get extremely hot (I have a scar of my arm to prove it) and break about once a month. Luckily the switches are only like 2 bucks so its not hard to put another one in.

Is there a way to wire up the fans without using a manual switch? How? How much does the setup cost? Where can I find it?

If not, how do I need to wire up the manual switch so that it doesn't keep breaking? An electrician told me to use a relay that reduces the current running through the switch. Where can I get this relay? What size wires to use? Cost? 2 or 3 prong switch?

I have many unused relays under the hood because I have taken out many of the electronic systems.

If you can say anything to help, please do.

Thanks a lot,
JC

[cheapthrillz]

Does anybody know?

JC

[megaladon6]

i'm using an adjustable fan controller on my car that i got from summit. it's a derale unit and can do 1 speed on 2 fans and also has an a/c triggered input wire if you need it.

[eville]

here's the easy way... a spal kit with everything you'd need. they have these for 185 or 195 your choice.
http://etxiow.accpaconline.com/itemdrilldown.cfm?category=FACC&exp=FANS&stype=cat&CFID=2019281&CFTOKEN=70976679&item=185FH

you can piece this together much cheaper, but in the kit, it has everything you need, including instructions which should help you out a lot.

If you don't get this fixed you'll keep blowing the switch. And having an on off switch on your fans is just a BAD idea. Get a relay, a temp sender and be done with it.

[cheapthrillz]

OK, I just downloaded the instructions and it helps out a lot! 55 bucks is not too expensive, but I'd like to get this done within the next few days. I hope that I can get most of these things from Advance. I am not good at reading automotive diagrams. Could somebody help me out with the specifics on these items.

Here is the link to the instructions:
http://etxiow.accpaconline.com/media/FRH%2D185FH%2D195FH%2Epdf

Can anybody explain some of these parts?

Thanks alot eville for the direction!

JC

[cheapthrillz]

Ok, so the next question is..... thread in, radiator probe, or in-line? Advance Auto sells a relay/harness/sending unit for around $35. Would this be a bad idea? Also, would it be a bad idea to include a manual overide switch?

Thanks,

JC

[HILROD]

The thread in sending units are best. The others will leak. If your car has any of the stock wiring, there should be a fan relay just next to the radiator, behind the right inside headlight. The factory sending fan unit is in the passenger head. The wire should be a single black or green wire, (changes with year and model), and if it's hooked directly to ground, will heep the fans running any time the ignition is on.

[MonzaRacer]

Actually it will run even with key off the relays are still hot.
Or at least the ones I have seen are.
some got loops from battery power to the hot side so they would run when hot even with key off, wierd how some got that some didnt.