Dual Electric Fan Set Up

[Barrrf]

I have a question on what the best way would be to wire up a dual fan system -

Is it better to have 1 fan on all the time?

Or 1 fan kick on at temp X then the other kick on if over temp
y then have them shut back down at temp Z?

Or just have them both off until they reach temp Y and shut down at temp Z?

I don't want any manual control and was thinking about getting the painless speed controller - is it worth it? Maybe its only worth it if both fans come on at the same time?

[Schwartz Performance]

Do you have ac?

One fan should kick on at a temp higher than your thermostat.. Then the next should kick on maybe 30* hotter, and/or when the ac is on.

The temp they turn off doesn't need to be the same number.
Painless speed controller could help, I think it's pulse width modulated so overall it's likely better than using relays.

-Dale

[Barrrf]

I do not have A/C so no need for an override circuit.

I did not build the engine but based on the gauge I would venture I have a 180degree t-stat installed.

So kick on the hot side fan at 190? And the other fan at 210? Or use the painless controller to kick both on at 60% fan speed and let the controller do the work based on water temp?

To me its seem like the better solution would be to use the painless controller (albeit more expensive). But idk, that's why Im here.

Thanks for your help!

[andrewb70]

Ideally, you should have the fans be controlled by a pwm controller, like the one sold by DC Controls or Spal.



Andrew

[rickpaw]

Ideally, you should have the fans be controlled by a pwm controller, like the one sold by DC Controls or Spal.

Andrew

True, but Spal stopped making the controller, and DC Controls has spotty customer service. The next best thing is the one made by Painless, but it's $$$$$$.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

I just picked up a controller from Matt's Classic Bowties for just over $100. Seems like a pretty cool unit, fully programmable for how you want the fans to turn on. I'll find out how it works in the next few weeks I guess.

[Barrrf]

I would like MCB MAtt to pop in here and give us info if he has satisfied customers or experience with it.

[sccacuda]

You can use two relays to make the fans run high/low. Both fans either get 6 volts and run at a low speed or 12 volts and run full speed. Pretty easy to wire the relays and accomplish this.

[rickpaw]

I just picked up a controller from Matt's Classic Bowties for just over $100. Seems like a pretty cool unit, fully programmable for how you want the fans to turn on. I'll find out how it works in the next few weeks I guess.

I would like MCB MAtt to pop in here and give us info if he has satisfied customers or experience with it.

You're talking about the fan controller made by Dakota Digital, like this one?

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd852.htm

I have it, and it works well.

[Barrrf]

I thought that was the guy. Unfortunately it either needs to be mounted in cab or in a nice weather proof box in the engine compartment. I was hoping to keep the controller/relays near the component theyre controlling.

[andrewb70]

You're talking about the fan controller made by Dakota Digital, like this one?

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd852.htm

I have it, and it works well.

Just for the record, the Dakota Digital controller doesn't sound like a pwm controller. It's just a fancy programmable relay control center.

Andrew

[rickpaw]

Just for the record, the Dakota Digital controller doesn't sound like a pwm controller. It's just a fancy programmable relay control center.

Andrew

You're correct. The only PWM controller that I can find available right now is Painless.

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

True, but Spal stopped making the controller, and DC Controls has spotty customer service. The next best thing is the one made by Painless, but it's $$$$$$.

Why did SPAL quit making their controller. I purchased one several years ago but as most projects this one has stalled. I was hoping to get my fans wired up this summer. Was there a problem with the SPAL controllers ???

[bergers59]

for our car we have one wired to a 180 thermostat, then we have a switch when we want the second fan to run, which is pretty rare since the car runs so cool.

[Barrrf]

Forgot about this thread - I finished installing the fans on Saturday. I ended up buying the Derale 2 fan controller. So far its worked flawlessly.

[Fuelie Nova]

Glad to hear it worked out. I wish I found this thread earlier, I have two spal fan controllers, one new never used the other 6 months old I would have sold.
Tom

[Barrrf]

[1969sschevelle]

How much for the controllers? I control both of mine manually to save on costs but itd be nice to have them control on their own. I do forget on occasion

[Mr Nick]

Why did SPAL quit making their controller. I purchased one several years ago but as most projects this one has stalled. I was hoping to get my fans wired up this summer. Was there a problem with the SPAL controllers ???

I had a SPAL controller and the thing never worked right. After a year the buttons to even attempt to program it again were inoperative. I threw it in the trash. Just my experience.

I use an adjustable temp relay to turn first fan on at 185, off at 170. FAST ECU turns the second fan on at 195 off at 175. 170 t-stat.

[72BBSwinger]

I have one on a temp switch and the other controlled by the ecm at a programmable temp. Both on relays.