s13 and altima fans - fan controller optional?

[1unar3clipse]

I like this thread, lots of diagrams and discussion.

I was lazy I just wired mine up to one of those NAPA through-rad thermostatic sensors.

[Cone Junky]

These guys have a controller at a more affordable price or a basic wiring/relay kit for real cheap.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/...=True

All-in-one kit makes it even simpler. I imagine it even comes with a diagram for install.

They used to have another controller for $60, but I don't see it on thier website.

[1unar3clipse]

If you want a fan controller at a more affordable price you piece it together yourself.

why pay 80 bucks for the same exact thing? I paid $15 for the Napa thermostatic(you can get push through rad sensor OR sender sensor style for anothwer $20), 5 bucks for the relay, wiring at most is another $8.

That fancy kit is no more than a thermostatic sender sensor with a relay in a Radioshack project box.

[Cone Junky]

If you just want the fans to turn on at a set temp, yes they are the same. But if you want to control two fans to run at different temps, the controller is better.

Don't forget, all engines have an optimum running temp, only a controller can keep you at steady temp more conistently.

[1unar3clipse]

Are you using an Infrared thermometer? and a Mechanical water temp gauge?

[Cone Junky]

Are you using an Infrared thermometer? and a Mechanical water temp gauge?

No and do you really want to go there?

[1unar3clipse]

Not really but your stating consistent temps are achievable via the fan controller and only the fan controller...

Don't forget, all engines have an optimum running temp, only a controller can keep you at steady temp more conistently.

in the end a fan controller is as accurate as its sensor location.

[Cone Junky]

No, I said only the fan controller is accurate/more consistent in maintianing temps.

A temp sensor jammed into the radiator is picking up the surface temp of the one spot in the radiator. A wire jammed under a hose is a leak waiting to happen.

The good thing about controllers is that they use factory sensors. That means factory locations and factory temp specs, the exact same data that the ECU is using to modify air/fuel starategies.

I know a basic system will work, but a controller will work better and has adjustability.

I guess I just look for optimal results, and a controller is what I will be using for my e-fans.

[1unar3clipse]

A temp sensor jammed into the radiator is picking up the surface temp of the one spot in the radiator. A wire jammed under a hose is a leak waiting to happen.

a wire jammed under a hose? I didn't understand the wire jammed under a hose but you can pick up a 89 A/C temp sensor adapter for in between the hoses just like OEM.And when it comes to a temp sensor jammed into the radiator you can pick the location i.e. the hotside inlet which on the KA is inline with the thermostat, ECU temp sender, and temp gauge sender.

I'm not trying to bug you I KNOW a controller has better ability to monitor and alter temps but your solution isn't much cheaper than the tried and true DIF fan.

Many Moderators and members use the cheapo thermostatic with good results. I'm just proving there are alternatives to the $70-$100 controller

[Cone Junky]

It sounds like we are on the same page.

A DIY sensor relay will work fine, and a controller is optimum.

It is great that an A/C adaptor is available to add a sensor, which eliminates the more hokey setups.

There are a lot of generic senders that are simply thick wires that get ran between the hose and radiator neck. I don't like that idea very much.And a sensor that mounts to the outside of a radiator is not accurate because it is only measuring surface temps, which due to varying materials (metal/plastic) aren't accurate to the actual coolant temp.

Unfortunately for me, my ideas are killing my budget, so I can understand wanting a more affordable option.

[Kalypso]

i went from

> battery> 30 amp fuse> Thermo> Fans> back to ground...

why did my fuse blow

[White Comet]

you can pick up a 89 A/C temp sensor adapter for in between the hoses just like OEM.

i picked one of these up at a local junkyard for $5

[bware113]

has anyone else ran a setup like this one? I see that most of you are running this setup with the controller still in place. I wonder if it is possible to set up like this on an s13 as well I did it on my old s14 and it worked beautifully. Tech Article: http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=159508

[dc1984]

i personaly dont like the thermo switch. i used one for a while, stuck it in the radiator and i dont realy think it is too accurate that way. plus, after a while, the fins i stuck it through started to get loose then the sensor would start to fall out of the radiator. i just ended up taking it out and using a manuel switch. but most of the time i just keep it on all the time(i live in southern california so it is usually pretty warm).

[White Comet]

^ thats why you stick the probe in the rad hose instead of through the fins

[bware113]

sooo....did anyone run this with stock relays in the fuse box? If it's possible I would much rather do it that way...

[White Comet]

i'm resusing a factory relay, but not just tieing into it

[maj Andres]

That DIF controller makes the instal go easier. I mounted mine right behind the LH headlight and used that Greddy inhose adaptor and stuck a sensor inthere. works like a charm