Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running right...

DorianL

solid fixture here in the forum
Staff member
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Right, I was running nicely at 160 here on a hot summer day. Then after 45 min of heavy traffic the temp started spiking up to 200. From the pics it looks like the relays got toasty and maybe the breakers were firing?

It's not Brian's awesome 200 Amp alt. ;-) That ROCKS!!!! All the grounds are good.

I suspect the 60 AMP relays, or wires, or whatever in that assembly... cannot keep up with the heavy duty fans.

What now? Replace the wires to a thicker gauge? beefier relays? Does that exist? Why is this heating up so?
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

10 ga wire should be all thats required

theres are 60 and 80 amp 12-14 volt relays with pig tails, or places to connect ring terminal connectors available, its common for high capacity fans to draw 35-40 amps at times, so using a 60-80 amp relay and the required minimum fuse amp rated circuit sure won,t hurt


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high capacity fans to draw 35-40 amps at times, so Id suggest a 40 amp relay minimum
85 = 12v+ wire from toggle (any small like 14 ga wire fine)
86 = ground (again, any small like 14 gauge fine)
87a = NOT USED (some relays have this, some not - not needed anyway)
87 = 12v+ out to fan (fan positive wire should be black with red stripe) and use a MULTI STRAND COPPER 10-12gauge wire here
30 = 12v+ from battery (either from battery, or from starter where the pos battery cable connects, or from the power distribution center beside radiator) you want a minimum of a MULTI STRAND COPPER 10-12gauge wire here (thicker)

So - with key on, the toggle gets 12v+ ... when you flip the toggle on, the 12v+ is sent to the relay, activating it, and connecting 30 to 87, thus giving your fan 12v+ directly from battery. Saves running high amps to a low amp rated toggle.

obviously measuring the current draw, with an amp meter, to verify what your really dealing with would help here
http://www.ecutool.com/DT-337-Mini-ACDC ... _7294.html

viewtopic.php?f=70&t=3504&p=33365&hilit=solder+ring#p33365

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heavy-Duty-Auto ... 0375347709

http://www.wiringproducts.com/contents/ ... relay.html

http://www.jegs.com/i/Derale/259/16738/10002/-1

http://www.technooutlet.com/viac025.htm ... 1b2166c62d
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

well, obviously your relay are underrated for your app (maby run 2 relay in parallel (or one for each fan)if you can't find something bigger) and you probably have a short between positive from the relay to the fan.. or your fan are going south (short in the winding or the like) drawing extra amps.
First it would be good to know how many amps those fan should be and are actually taking.
10ga should be enough so long you dont need over 60-80amp for short wire.
Also am not a fan on those plastic plug for the relays wire.
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

Dorien,

When I get home from work I will look for a few super high amperage rated relays I have put away.
They were 70 or 100 amp relays. 12 volt coil windings.
Or I can pick up a 400 Amp magnetic pole relay for you & ship out ASAP.
Connecting 2 30 amp relays a stop gap solution. Tried in past. Both melted. apart.

Brian
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

JUST A BIT OF RELATED INFO
when I raced my big block 1968 corvette I started out using the stock mechanical fan ,belt driven off the engine and a really nice aftermarket aluminum radiator , that kept the engine cool with zero issues, but that was partly because of the cars speed forcing air thru the radiator.
I was originally setting the corvette up to road race, but when the local track closed I converted the car to a street/strip and drag race car. but I found out very quickly that having a larger electrically driven cooling fan that replaced the mechanical fan allowed more room to get access to the engine and mechanical fuel injection and the reduced drag and ability to hook up the auxiliary fan too cool off the engine while the engine was not actually running by jumping the car from a running car with jumper cables had benefits.
I also found a 200 amp alternator allowed the battery to charge rapidly and the fans that cooled the engine too spin faster keep the engine noticeably cooler when the engine was running because the extra current noticeably increased the engine cooling fans rotational speed.
but during the process I found I could NOT use the original wiring in the car , too connect auxiliary cooling fans, I had to install a complete separate 10 ga wire system with 60 amp rated relays for the fans, none of the cars original wire was heavy enough nor was there any provision for a large electric puller fan.
BE AWARE THE WIRE GAUGE AND RELAY AMP RATES VARY SO SHOP CAREFULLY
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/10pcs-Ca ... 80067.html


IMAGE: 1. Voltage & Current Parameters of the relay in-scripted on the Case of the relay.

2. Voltage & Current Parameters of the relay in-scripted on the Case of the relay.

Most relays are available in different operating voltages like 5V, 6V, 12V, 24V, etc. If the required operating voltage is supplied to the relay, the relay is activated. The operating voltage of a relay is generally in DC.Small signal relays and low voltage power relays are usually in DC, but mains control relays and contactors quite frequently have AC coils.The rest of the terminals of a relay are used to connect either a AC(generally 50/60Hz) or DC circuit. The switching and contact pins of the relay have their respective Maximum voltage and current ratings/Parameters. These Parameters are generally in-scripted on the plastic or PVC case of the relay.On the contact ratings, they will frequently have something like 5A@250VAC / 10A@12VDC. These are the figures you have to be within. Having said that you can run a higher current than stamped on it if your voltage is lower, they aren't directionally proportional though and the datasheet for the relay should be consulted. If a relay is overloaded, it can burn out and damage the circuit or appliances connected to it. Be sure to choose a relay that can handle your voltage and current requirements to ensure the relay coil doesn't burn out and your circuit doesn't get damaged.

Choosing a Proper Relay Amperage
How to calculate for the Correct Relay


Relay Ratings and Limits
Relays often have two ratings: AC and DC. These rating indicate how much power can be switched through the relays. This does not necessarily tell you what the limits of the relay are. For instance, a 5 Amp relay rated at 125VAC can also switch 2.5 Amps at 250VAC. Similarly, a 5 Amp relay rated at 24VDC can switch 2.5 Amps at 48VDC, or even 10 Amps at 12VDC.
Volts x Amps = Watts - Never Exceed Watts!
An easy way to determine the limit of a relay is to multiply the rated Volts times the rated Amps. This will give you the total watts a relay can switch. Every relay will have two ratings: AC and DC. You should determine the AC watts and the DC watts, and never exceed these ratings.

Example Calculations
AC Volts x AC Amps = AC Watts
DC Volts x DC Amps = DC Watts
Example: A 5 Amp Relay is Rated at 250 Volts AC. 5 x 250 = 1,250 AC Watts Example: A 5 Amp Relay is Rated at 24 Volts DC.
5 x 24 = 120 DC Watts
If you are switching AC Devices, Make Sure the AC Watts of the Device you are Switching DOES NOT Exceed 1,250 when using a 5A Relay. If you are switching DC Devices, Make Sure the DC Watts of the Device you are Switching DOES NOT Exceed 120 when using a 5A Relay.
Resistive and Inductive Loads
Relays are often rated for switching resistive loads. Inductive loads can be very hard on the contacts of a relay. A resistive load is a device that stays electrically quiet when powered up, such as an incandescent light bulb. An inductive load typically has a violent startup voltage or amperage requirement, such as a motor or a transformer.
Startup and Runtime Loads
Inductive loads typically require 2-3 times the runtime voltage or amperage when power is first applied to the device. For instance, a motor rate at 5 Amps, 125 VAC will often require 10-15 amps just to get the shaft of the motor in motion. Once in motion, the the motor may consume no more than 5 amps. When driving these types of loads, choose a relay that exceeds the initial requirement of the motor. In this case, a 20-30 Amp relay should be used for best relay life.
theres little sense in even having a relay in a car that won,t operate at a minimum of 12 volts and at least 30 amps minimum,
but Id have to point out that matched sets of relays and pigtails are readily available in several amp ranges rather cheaply.
once you understand how they are designed to function testing or replacing one is no
challenge

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/cleaning-out-older-radiator.15827/


https://www.amazon.com/ARTGEAR-Harness-Color-Labeled-Automotive-Motorcycle/dp/B078T3RC5T

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pco-5593pt/overview/

https://www.amazon.com/Fastronix-Weatherproof-Automotive-Relay-Socket/dp/B01CXA42XK

https://www.ebay.com/bhp/60-amp-relay

https://www.ebay.com/bhp/80-amp-relay

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MIq4ObtvSz3wIVU57ACh0MfQn4EAQYAiABEgJsYfD_BwE

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F83159...&pd_rd_r=991c9f49-060a-11e9-bb5a-dff16524fffe

https://relaypros.com/choosing_proper_amperage.htm

https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/relay-guide.html

https://www.instructables.com/id/All-You-Need-to-Know-About-Relays/
Typical Current Loads for Automotive Systems, Lighting and Accessories:
Engine Idling (no lights or accessories on) - 35 to 50 amps. This will vary depending on the number of cylinders (more cylinders draw more power for the fuel injectors and coils), the type of fuel injectors (some draw higher amp loads than others), the type of ignition system (single coil or multi-coil), the amp draw of the PCM, and the fuel pump (the amp draw will be higher with higher pressure systems).

Engine Off (nothing on) - 40 to 50 milliamps (power drain by modules in sleep mode, antitheft system and keyless entry)

Ignition Coil (single oil-filled coil older vehicle) - 3 to 4 amps.

Ignition Coil (single DIS coil newer vehicle) - 5 to 6 amps.

Ignition Coil (coil-on-plug) - 6 amps per coil.

Ignition System (primary circuit) - 6 to 20 amps.

Fuel Injectors - 4 to 6 amps peak, 1 amp hold

Electric Fuel Pump (depends on pressure and flow) - 4 to 12 amps

Electric Cooling Fan (depends on size) - 6 to 30 amps

Headlights (halogen low beam) - 8 to 9 amps per pair

Headlights (halogen high beam) - 9 to 10 amps per pair

Headlights (halogen high and low beams combined) - 17 to 19 amps

Headlights (High Energy Discharge) - 12 to 14 amps during initial start, 7 to 8 amps once bulbs are hot

Headlights (LED) - 0.6 to 1 amps per bulb

Small bulbs (incandescent) - 0.3 to 0.4 amps per bulb

Small bulbs (LED) - 0.04 to 0.06 amps per bulb

Starter Motor - 200 to 350 amps

500 Watt Sound System - 42 amps

Electric Rear Window Defroster - 10 to 20 amps

Windshield wipers - 2 to 10 amps depending on load

Heated Seats - 3 to 4 amps per seat

Power Windows - 3 amps

Electric Power Steering - 2 to 40 amps depending on load

Air Conditioner Compressor Clutch - 2.5 to 5 amps

Heater A/C blower motor (depends on load, size and speed setting) - 2 to 30 amps
 
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Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

I have a CONTINOUS DUTY MAGNETIC RELAY For You Dorien.
12 volt DC coil.
100 Amp DC rating continous.
600 amp inrush current peak rated.
Far superior to the plug in 30 amp BOSCH relay your using present.
Bad azzz relay to solve your amperage daul electric fan issue.
Need to run at least 10 gauge wiring as Grumpy recommended.
8 gauge wiring even better.
Get photos up & posted for you & Grumpy to check out.

Brian
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

Do you like Dorien?

$25 and its yours.
$20 My good guy purchase price. $5 for gasoline to pick it up & ship out this weekand.
My Suburban back on the Road. Scatt 9000 series crankshaft is awesome with NOS Vandervall main & Rod bearings. And a Melling M55 A Z-28 oil pump. 70 psi. cold. 60 psi hot.
Runs super smooth & torquey..

Shipping should be not much.
Be a small cardboard heavy weight box.

Brian
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

Thanks Brian!!!! I may well take you up on this. Tho' I might need two? One for each fan? Or I run both fans off of one?

Anyway, there is an auto shop around the corner. I'll see if they have anything beefier that my puny relays...

Stay tuned.

Fixed my in dash A/F gauge. Nice to have it back...
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

DorianL said:
Thanks Brian!!!! I may well take you up on this. Tho' I might need two? One for each fan? Or I run both fans off of one?

Anyway, there is an auto shop around the corner. I'll see if they have anything beefier that my puny relays...

Stay tuned

Fixed my in dash A/F gauge. Nice to have it back...


It will handle both your electric fans ran in parallel.
Dont mess around with crap relays Dorien.
This magnetic pole relay is super heavy duty.
Aircraft quality .
Let me know. Friday night.
Have alot going on. Projects to finish for others & Wife too.
Its in a heavy cardboard box already. Ship weight 1 pound.
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

6 X 6 X 6 inch shipping box.
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

if this dont work, may use a glowplug relay or starter solenoid but dont know if this will last for sustained use?
The magnetic pole relay look like the perfect fix.
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

mathd said:
if this dont work, may use a glowplug relay or starter solenoid but dont know if this will last for sustained use?
The magnetic pole relay look like the perfect fix.

Yes. The magnetic pole relay is continous Duty rated.
Starter solenoid & glow plug relays are not designed for conttinous ON use.
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

Oh. Crap. I didn't see this.

Deal!

So yer saying always fire both fans with this relay?

My current setup allows me to manually turn on one, the other or both.
Don't bother with that anymore?
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

DorianL said:
Oh. Crap. I didn't see this.

Deal!

So yer saying always fire both fans with this relay?

My current setup allows me to manually turn on one, the other or both.
Don't bother with that anymore?

To Fire both fans seperate you need 2 magnetic pole relays.
I can pick up another if you want
Personaly I would fire both fans ON with 1 magnetic pole relay.
What is the TOTAL THEORETICAL AIRFLOW CAPACITY DORIAN?
ARE YOU USING ONE OF THE FLEX-LITE 5500-6000 CFM
TRUCK FAN PACKAGES IN THE TT?
IF SO.....70-80 AMPS CONTINOUS.
PEAK START UP CURRENT AROUND 200-250,
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

are your fan always on?, i think you should use a coolant temperature switch to trigger a relay for one or both fan
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

DorianL said:
Ok! But why fire both on one?

Derale, 4000 cfm, 50 amps.

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/der-16928

Its up to You Dorian.
With 600Hp+ I would want both fans on when commanded to do so.
Especially with a supercharged engine. & a 95F- 110F day.
Save the headgaskets, aluminum heads, don't scuff piston skirts & cylinder walls, ect.

I LIKE SIMPLE & LEAST AMOUNT OF WIRING.
THERMOSTAT OR WATER RESTRICTOR PLATE STILL REGULATES COOLANT FLOW & TEMPS REGARDLESS .
RACE CAR ON THE STREET THE TT. WHY MESS AROUND?
COOL IT FAST ASAP.
YOU WON'T HURT THE CS144 ALTERNATOR I BUILT YOU.

BR
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

That makes sense. I have a temp switch but had a manual override for each fan. I don't trust that temp switch. I suppose I originally wired it that way to avoid overloading my alt. never occurred to me that wouldn't happen now. :mrgreen:

Sounds good - yes! Can you send? This time a different address tho.

I'm gonna put some seriously beefy wires on there. :D
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

PM me details where to send the Magnetic pole Relay.

On true racecars I wire into a dedicated Overhead roll bar. switch box control panel.
I dont like those. preset coolalnt temp switches.
They crap out when you need cooling fans on a 100F day.

Real Aircraft switches best.
Have true 100% Silver Contacts. Hard to find.
Like used in all WW2 Allied War Bombers & Warbird Fighter Planes.
Kool stuff. Have some for me here.


Brian
 
Re: Right, I think my twin electric fans aren't running righ

Morning. What would be best to use as circuit breaker? What I'm using now seems somewhat thin.
 
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