Radiator Fan Toggle Switch

[DoctorPDR]

I'm looking for some suggestions here. I want to install a toggle switch to manually turn on the radiator fan if needed. Now I know you can unplug the wire from the fan switch at the bottom of the radiator, place a wire between the two terminals and the fan will kick on (whether or not the key in the ignition is on).

I wanted to confirm that this would be safe if I hooked up my toggle this way, or do I risk shorting out the fan switch at some point in the future? If so, what alternative do I have?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[baltobernie]

Post removed. Sorry for the wrong info - my car has different wiring

[DoctorPDR]

My thoughts on this were when I'm stuck in rush hour traffic in 120 degree Texas weather. I would obviously turn the fan off when at cruising speeds.

[courtenay]

Jim Ellis (spiderjim) installed a fan bypass switch in the 80 Fi that I now own. He has a wiring diagram on his website, but I can't find the link. It works great. While the fan works as it should, I have the option of turning the fan on when I want.

[DoctorPDR]

Thanks for the great response Courtenay. IMHO, it's a good option to have installed. Should you find the info., please send me a PM or reply back in the thread. Thanks again.

[courtenay]

Here's Jim's site - the diagram and description is in the "Blondie Modifications" section.

http://gallery.me.com/jamesaellis1#gallery

Cheers,
Bruce

[DoctorPDR]

Here's Jim's site - the diagram and description is in the "Blondie Modifications" section.

http://gallery.me.com/jamesaellis1#gallery

Cheers,
Bruce

Thanks a lot for your help Bruce. It's nice being assisted by great people!

[CajunMike]

Yeah I did it. Got tired of the engine running hot in south Louisiana heat. Works fine but not a great substitute for a properly functioning auto switch.

[DoctorPDR]

Well, my auto switch is working fine. However, I have had a fan switch go out on me and if I hadn't been paying attention to the temp. gauge, the engine would have gotten too hot and I would have been stuck with a cracked block. When the car is moving, there is air circulating through the radiator so it's not a concern. However, if I'm in rush hour traffic (more stop than go) and in 110+ degree Texas heat, I would feel more comfortable in turning the fan on automatically and not worrying about it.

But hey, that's just me.

[CajunMike]

Well, my auto switch is working fine. However, I have had a fan switch go out on me and if I hadn't been paying attention to the temp. gauge, the engine would have gotten too hot and I would have been stuck with a cracked block. When the car is moving, there is air circulating through the radiator so it's not a concern. However, if I'm in rush hour traffic (more stop than go) and in 110+ degree Texas heat, I would feel more comfortable in turning the fan on automatically and not worrying about it.

But hey, that's just me.

that's exactly why I did it but I just pulled the wires to the fan and put a toggle. If there is a way to make it an override rather than a substitute it would be optimal. I recall having the radiator switch malfunctioning and I had to scramble to find the nearest hose to cool the car off. Got tired of worrying about but with the toggle you have to really keep an eye on the temp gauge. It's a hassle sometimes but better than an engine meltdown I guess.

[SpiderJim]

Well, my auto switch is working fine. However, I have had a fan switch go out on me and if I hadn't been paying attention to the temp. gauge, the engine would have gotten too hot and I would have been stuck with a cracked block. When the car is moving, there is air circulating through the radiator so it's not a concern. However, if I'm in rush hour traffic (more stop than go) and in 110+ degree Texas heat, I would feel more comfortable in turning the fan on automatically and not worrying about it.

But hey, that's just me.

that's exactly why I did it but I just pulled the wires to the fan and put a toggle. If there is a way to make it an override rather than a substitute it would be optimal. I recall having the radiator switch malfunctioning and I had to scramble to find the nearest hose to cool the car off. Got tired of worrying about but with the toggle you have to really keep an eye on the temp gauge. It's a hassle sometimes but better than an engine meltdown I guess.

Just put the switch in parallel across the two black wires from the fan temp switch sensor leaving the original wires connected. IE splice your switch wires across the originals without disconnecting and the fan will work with or without the ignition on. Just remember to turn the override switch off when leaving the car or you will be pushing it home..... I'm adding an indicator light to mine when I get my new console installed. This is a good idea and saved my butt once.
NOTE... make sure the switch can handle some current!!!!


see diagram here under blondie modifications ----> http://gallery.me.com/jamesaellis1#gallery

[SpiderJim]

Well, my auto switch is working fine. However, I have had a fan switch go out on me and if I hadn't been paying attention to the temp. gauge, the engine would have gotten too hot and I would have been stuck with a cracked block. When the car is moving, there is air circulating through the radiator so it's not a concern. However, if I'm in rush hour traffic (more stop than go) and in 110+ degree Texas heat, I would feel more comfortable in turning the fan on automatically and not worrying about it.

But hey, that's just me.

that's exactly why I did it but I just pulled the wires to the fan and put a toggle. If there is a way to make it an override rather than a substitute it would be optimal. I recall having the radiator switch malfunctioning and I had to scramble to find the nearest hose to cool the car off. Got tired of worrying about but with the toggle you have to really keep an eye on the temp gauge. It's a hassle sometimes but better than an engine meltdown I guess.

Just put the switch in parallel across the two black wires from the fan temp switch sensor leaving the original wires connected. IE splice your switch wires across the originals without disconnecting and the fan will work with or without the ignition on. Just remember to turn the override switch off when leaving the car or you will be pushing it home..... I'm adding an indicator light to mine when I get my new console installed. This is a good idea and saved my butt once.
NOTE... make sure the switch can handle some current!!!!


see diagram here under blondie modifications ----> http://gallery.me.com/jamesaellis1#gallery

[stefhahn]

Hi -
it could be a good idea to include a light indicating that you did manually switch on the fan, otherwise you could drain your battery after a stop. I read that a decade ago in the mirafiori forum but don't remember who did it (James Seabolt?) and did like the idea.
ciao,
Stefan

[DoctorPDR]

Quite honestly, all you need to do is get an illuminated SPST toggle switch. When the switch is on, it will light up and will solve the problem of installing a separate light.

[Samy]

Also, remember to get a switch that can handle the high amps. The switch should be a DC switch rated at about 50 amps. Run heavy duty wiring as well. I use my toggle switch in traffic, which helps to keep my Spider cool.