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Kirkham Motorsports

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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 09-10-2010, 10:32 AM
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Default FANS! Automatic or manual?

This isn't necessarily a Kirkham specific post. It also applies to FE's, but let's start at Kirkhams with FE's.

Do you guys run automatic fans or the stock manual switch?

And if manual, why keep it that way? Originality? Ever forget to turn them on? Do you leave them on?

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Old 09-10-2010, 10:39 AM
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Both!


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Old 09-10-2010, 10:41 AM
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I use the manual fan switch. I use it to force me to let the thermostat open and make sure I'm up to temp before I take off. I've never forgotten to flip it on. Yet..........

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Old 09-10-2010, 10:47 AM
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Both, as I suspect most of us do.

In case I forget (with increasing frequency ), the auto thermo kicks in. The auto is set at a higher temp than I normally like, it depends. On the race track I run the fan manually as soon as the engine temp nears normal, the motor does run hotter on the track.
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Old 09-10-2010, 02:35 PM
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Manual.

Because nothing is automatic or idiot proofed in my Cobra.
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Old 09-10-2010, 02:46 PM
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What, no one looks at their gauges anymore?

When in stop and go traffic, during hot weather, flip switch.

When dark and need lights, flip switch.

When need fuel pressure, flip switch.
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Old 09-10-2010, 02:47 PM
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Maybe I should have just PM'd Jamo from the start.
After all, it was the answer I was looking for. I wholeheartedly agree.
I'm just worried about the idiot behing the wheel.
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Old 09-10-2010, 02:47 PM
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Rodney, I do both. But I also have pusher fans. So, I have the puller fan thermostatically controlled, but the manual override switch on the dash controls both the puller and pushers. It's a redundant set up, in case something fails on one it won't affect the other. All on circuit breakers that automatically reset. Being the anal nut that I am, I had to make a detailed post on it all. Here it is: Cool Modification - For Pusher Fans Only, Though
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Old 09-10-2010, 04:52 PM
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Rodney, I do both. But I also have pusher fans. So, I have the puller fan thermostatically controlled, but the manual override switch on the dash controls both the puller and pushers. It's a redundant set up, in case something fails on one it won't affect the other. All on circuit breakers that automatically reset. Being the anal nut that I am, I had to make a detailed post on it all. Here it is: Cool Modification - For Pusher Fans Only, Though
You puzzy.

One switch...lines to both relays, one for pushers and one for the puller. All or none.

Generally speaking, turn them on in May and turn them off in October.

My idea of backup...if one of the Lucas relays blow, I'll use the Lucas relay for the horns and just yell at everyone to get the hell out of my way.
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Old 09-10-2010, 05:24 PM
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I had an automatic fan which failed. I then went to manual, which I forgot to turn on too many times. Now, it's just on all the time! I like it that way, I only know hear it when the ignition is on and the engine is off.
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Old 09-10-2010, 05:48 PM
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Auto puller, manual pusher........
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Old 09-10-2010, 06:31 PM
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Both. Auto has worked well so far. Once in a while I'll hit the manual switch, but not very often.
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Old 09-13-2010, 01:32 PM
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the real cooling fan (puller, behind the radiator) is on a thermostatic switch. The pusher fans are on a manual switch on the dash. They help lower the temp by an additional 2 degrees, while in bumper to bumper traffic, but as soon as I move again, the temp drops right down to near and around the thermostat opening temp, as long as I keep cruising.
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Old 09-13-2010, 01:34 PM
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I just have one switch. It was alot cheaper and I saved a ton of weight.
I turn it on after it warms up and when I need the fan- no thermostat tells me what to do. Yes, I am a tea-party guy!
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Old 09-13-2010, 01:38 PM
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automatic 2 speed puller with manual over-ride for hi speed.
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Old 09-13-2010, 01:41 PM
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I can't go an entire season without forgetting to put my ankle clearly over my sidepipes when getting out (yes, slight burn this past weekend). I know I could not go an entire season without forgetting to manually turn my fans on.
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Old 09-13-2010, 01:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by patrickt View Post
I can't go an entire season without forgetting to put my ankle clearly over my sidepipes when getting out (yes, slight burn this past weekend). I know I could not go an entire season without forgetting to manually turn my fans on.


If you would glass your doors in and climb out the top like your supposed to...you would have that problem...lol.
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Old 09-13-2010, 02:12 PM
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Running the fans when they are not needed (when the engine is not yet warmed up, or at high speed) puts an unnecessary load on the alternator which is a horsepower drain. Fans can draw a lot of amps, and can cause you to lose HP due to parasitic alternator load.

My fans kick on automatically from the sensor on the radiator and only run when needed. I also have a manual over-ride switch if needed, but almost never use it.


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Last edited by CobraEd; 09-13-2010 at 02:46 PM..
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Old 09-13-2010, 02:53 PM
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I rigged mine to be auto and manual, -- but regardless they all go offy-off with the shut-down of the ignition.

Steve
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Old 09-13-2010, 03:04 PM
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I worry more about my fan, which like me is old, wearing out due to running to much. I set the temp sensor a little high and try to run it manually if I need it before the temp sensor (like in traffic, town, etc.).

The T-Stat continues to run the fan after engine shut down if the temp is to high, then shuts off automatically. Usually as I'm walking away.
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