dead-simple fan circuit

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Mar 8, 2012 | 03:06 PM

rustywheel68

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dead-simple fan circuit

I've been playing with this for a while- but all the do-it-yourself fan circuits i found online were too complicated for what i needed. And there's no way I'm going to pay $150 for a fan controller.

So- here's my stab at it.
This is for a single-speed fan, in a non-A/C vehicle.

The only trick- you need the right relay.
It needs to handle enough amps to cover the fan, and either a diode or resistor built in. This one is $15.
http://www.texasindustrialelectric.com/relays_0332209138.asp

Temp senders...Summit sells these for $40. (i'm looking for a way to do this part more cheaply.) Put it in your water neck, or wherever.
Vintage Air 11190-VUS - Vintage Air Electric Fan Set-Point Temp Switches - Overview - SummitRacing.com

So- not counting the small stuff, like the in-cab single-pole switch, and the circuit breaker...this should be a perfectly functional fan control system for $55.

Input appreciated- (just don't laugh at my drawing).

Mar 8, 2012 | 05:45 PM

Freightrain

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From: Ohio

Ok, why do you need the diode? Are you worried about backfeeding?

I have the same basic set up on my pickup, with just a regular relay. I don't have the manual over ride though. I run a dual fan set up, so one is using temp switch, the other fan is the "manual over ride" with just a toggle switch on the dash to operate it.

Mar 8, 2012 | 05:58 PM

rustywheel68

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the diode is just to prolong the life of the relay- to keep an arc from burning up the terminals when the fan switches off.

a lot of the high-amp-rated relays have them built in. i can't swear its necessary, but it seems like a good idea.

Mar 8, 2012 | 07:13 PM

jsutton

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You can get a temp controller from Autozone for $18. This is the one I use for my low setting.

Compressor Works/Electric Fan Thermostat (733653) | AutoZone.com

Mar 8, 2012 | 08:56 PM

rustywheel68

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jsutton

You can get a temp controller from Autozone for $18. This is the one I use for my low setting.

Compressor Works/Electric Fan Thermostat (733653) | AutoZone.com

very nice- if that can be used to provide ground, that'll cut the total cost down to $35. thanks!

Mar 9, 2012 | 08:54 AM

MIKES 68 F100

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From: Antelope Valley ,CA

thanks jsutton , need that for my 65 stang .

Mar 9, 2012 | 09:23 AM

jsutton

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From: Northeast LA

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustywheel68

very nice- if that can be used to provide ground, that'll cut the total cost down to $35. thanks!

I'm not sure if it can be wired that way or not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIKES 68 F100

thanks jsutton , need that for my 65 stang .

No problem, I've had mine in my truck for almost a year now and it works great.

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Mar 9, 2012 | 02:57 PM

67fordtruck

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From: Vancouver Wa

I did almost exactly that on my CJ5, except I ran the relay ground to an over-ride switch on the dash. No real reason for it except to not run another hot wire through the firewall.