Viscous Coupling -> Electric Fan

jetspin_vn · #1 10-01-2004, 10:32 AM

Well it seems there comes a time in the life of every car that has the old viscous coupling link to the fan, where the link begins to die and squeeeeeeeeeels like a tortured swine. (Or old belt, which is perhaps what most people first mistake it as) I recently ripped an electric fan off a VN with the intention of wiring it up in place of my old fan, but of course the VN & VP controlled the fan using the computer. It's easy enough to wire it up to go all the time, but thought I just better check there would be no problems with this? Can't see why there would be providing the thermostat works fine etc etc it should look after itself should it not?

Cheers guys.
Mike

EEVL · #2 10-01-2004, 11:42 AM

You should be able to buy a thermo piece that be fitted to activate the fan. I think anyway.
But yeah wire it up through a relay, then to a switch in side the cabin. Just have to remember to switch it on. Or just wire it into the ignition switch so it comes on when you start up.
I wanted to use my thermo fan from my air con as a back up, but no room because of the front mounted cooler.....

jetspin_vn · #3 10-01-2004, 11:48 AM

Yea you can get the thermo switch, but it costs an arm and/or one leg, and/or one kydney! Relay will be the way to go. Cheers.

OSL-060 · #4 10-01-2004, 12:52 PM

The thermo fan is fairly good idea in theory Mike but have you seen a VN thermo before?

On an RB the fan shroud wouldn't have a hope in hell of fitting in there as they are designed to suck the air through rather than blow it, on an engine that is only 3 cylinders long. On the other hand if you place it in front all you'll be doing is sucking hot air from the engine bay through the radiator.

If you chop the fan shroud off (it wont work properly then), you'll still have problems with the actual fan mounting interferring with your balancer and other pulleys.

You really need a nice big aftermarket thermo for it to be effective. The factory A/C thermo on the VL is too small to act alone.

Just my 2c, I could be wrong bud.

Jake.

jetspin_vn · #5 10-01-2004, 03:20 PM

Im adapting the VN fan with the plastic struts onto a VL shroud now, and test fitting shows everything clearing. Even gave it a run and all looks good. Just need to wait for the fiberglass to dry now and I can wire it in.

OSL-060 · #6 10-01-2004, 03:41 PM

haha ok, so you'll get it to fit on the engine bay side of the radiator?

well done, most people mention doing it but it never happens because you've got sweet F.A room.

Jake

jetspin_vn · #7 10-01-2004, 03:46 PM

Yea well i never said it wasn't tight but it all clears well enough, if you have the presence of mind to take the studs out of the waterpump pully that the VC used. I'll stick up the pics when its done.

Grantis1976 · #8 11-01-2004, 11:19 PM

Had u thought of repairing / replacing the factory unit?

jetspin_vn · #9 12-01-2004, 10:28 AM

Cmon that would be too easy and electric fans are cool. Its almost finished, I got distracted by the VR boot spoiler I picked up for $20 slightly damaged. Repaired it and just finished shaping it to fit the VL's boot lip. Looks awesome, just gotta give it a bit more paint.

Mike

gsmrobinson · #10 12-01-2004, 11:54 AM

Just letting everyone know with this problem that the Viscous Fan Hubs on a VL retail at $158.00 with Repco, and the electric fan thermo switch retails at $54.00.

I personaly would recommend fitting the thermo switch due to the fact that if you wire it up with the ignition the vehicle will take a long long time to warm up which we all know Will damage our engines. But if you do watch out for water leaks at the radiator hose after you fit it.

And fitting the fan so it only comes on when you flick a switch is a BIG NO NO. The first thing you will notice is the piston popping out of the bonnet when you forget to switch it on. BANG!!!!

Hope this helps someone....Regards Guy.

OSL-060 · #11 12-01-2004, 12:50 PM

I agree Guy, hard wiring or using a relay and switch is a big no no. Not to mention the inconvience of monitoring your temp gauge and switching it on and off all the time. Although you could hook up a warning chime or light to remind you. Then again the thermo switch is cheap as far less hassle

Is that $54 for a new thermo switch? Im guessing so.

Anyway good advice that will definately help someone

-and Mike, I'm looking forward to seeing your pics, you've done well and have more patience than I do

Jake

gsmrobinson · #12 14-01-2004, 10:52 PM

Yes that is the price of the switch form My local Qld Repco.

Just an afterthought....if you see a local auto elect they should be able to get you a thermo switch that goes into the fins of the radiator instead of in it....less leaks. But I think they are about 2x more expensive.

Regards Guy.