Electric Radiator Fan Current Draw

[cinelliguy]

Looking at electric radiator fans. Just have a question for those of us who know about the current draw of these units and the effect on the electric system of my 1969 109.

Was looking at this unit:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/DER-18217/?rtype=10

It draws about 24 watts. Is that a big deal as it flips on and off?

Thanks,
Guy

[SafeAirOne]

24 Watts = 2 Amps current draw unless your 109 is a 24v model in which case 24W = 1A.

[Whiterabbit]

The pic doesn't show a wiring kit. Make sure you use a relay and good terminals and you shouldn't have any problems. I think with the stock low output alt or gen if you have your lights and heater fan on you will be pulling alot of power.

[I Leak Oil]

According to that ad, it draws 23.5 amps, not watts. Now I guess the question would be is that draw rated at peak (startup) or running?

[SafeAirOne]

According to that ad, it draws 23.5 amps, not watts.


Amps?? Wow.

[I Leak Oil]

Wow is right. I'm thinking that's peak draw but 23 amps is 23 amps.

[luckyjoe]

DC fans have a peak in-rush draw, so that is probably the 23.5A. You'd need a 30A fuse/relay to be safe.

[SafeAirOne]

Oh yeah--I see it now. It says "high-output 2-speed 265 WATT motor..." not 24 watts!

Still, a 265 Watt motor = 22 Amps. It's the same thing as running a little more than 5 Hella 500 offroad lights on one wire. It's do-able presuming you've taken steps to ensure your electrical infrastructure is up to the task (you know...appropriate wire sizes, adequate alternator output, etc...).

[TeriAnn]

Looking at electric radiator fans. Just have a question for those of us who know about the current draw of these units and the effect on the electric system of my 1969 109.


For an electric fan you really want a Delco alternator conversion and a controller with a relay. The controllers usually come with the correct size relay and a fuse. These puppys use draw a lot of current so you need to generate it.

FYI the Bosh fan off a junked ninties V8 Mercedes is a pusher and the largest fan that will fit in front of the radiator. I got mine for $40. If you want a puller fan be sure to set it up with a shroud.

[baymud]

This is the controller I used on my CJ that I added a Ford Contour fan to:http://www.amazon.com/Flex-lite-31165-Variable-Control/dp/B000CNN3LS

It has a soft start that stops amperage spikes, and runs the fan at anywhere between 60%-100% depending on temp.
I've been running it for two years with no issues and plan on adding the same controller to my new(first) 2a.

BayMud

[Skookumchuck]

I am going to have to go to an electric fan when the 200 TDI goes in. TeriAnn do you have the model number for the mercedies fan? I would like to source one sooner than later. Thanks

[cinelliguy]

Thanks for the information. Sorry about the watts vs amps!

Can anyone spec the fan belt to be used with the Pangolin conversion kit?

[TeriAnn]

I am going to have to go to an electric fan when the 200 TDI goes in. TeriAnn do you have the model number for the mercedies fan? I would like to source one sooner than later. Thanks

Sorry. I just went to a big wrecking yard looking for the biggest pusher that would fit the space in front and it ended up coming off a V8 Mercedes. I saw two sixes on different Mercedes, the one on 4 bangers was smaller but the V8 ones all seemed to be the same size. I grabbed the fan mounts when I got the fan as well as the Mercedes horns.

The fan sits inside an inverted U channel at the base and is supported at either side on the top with the Mercedes fan mounts.

http://www.expeditionlandrover.info/LR.images/gr_radfan.jpg

I figure a Bosch fan used on a Mercedes was likely higher quality than any aftermarket made in China fan I might buy for a few hundred dollars.