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What Thermo Fan in an LJ?

Started by _jklumpp_ , Aug 28 2012 08:05 PM

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13 replies to this topic

#1 _jklumpp_

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Posted 28 August 2012 - 08:05 PM

I'm thinking that as part of the new engine install, I should probably ditch the rigid fan for a thermo...
Question is, what works best in an LJ - a single larger unit, or twin smaller ones?
Mounted inside or outside?
Suggestions from those with experience?

And is it also worth considering replacing the mechanical pump with an electric one?

Edited by jklumpp, 28 August 2012 - 08:12 PM.

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#2 _jklumpp_

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Posted 28 August 2012 - 09:28 PM

OK, so having a go at answering my own question, looking through the Davies Craig literature, it's suggesting a 14" for the Holden 6cyl models (though LJ is not listed), and 16" for V8's.
As mine is currently cooling OK with the standard fan (and desert cooler radiator), I would assume the 14" would be up to the job - and a few quick measurements shows it would fit better than the 16" too....

But the plot thickens... I also notice there is a 14"High Performance model, which appears to flow much more than the standard 14", and on ebay appears to actually be a few dollars cheaper than the 'slimline'...

Anyone got confirmation?

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#3 _jklumpp_

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Posted 28 August 2012 - 10:11 PM

and one more question - mechanical or electrical thermo switch?

Is there no way these can be connected to a temp sender like the gauge/warning light? Seems like it would be a much simpler/neater solution that a sender probe inside the radiator hose...

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#4 lx308

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Posted 28 August 2012 - 10:19 PM

Not sure on the fans, but defiantly go for a auto switch. There's different on off temps avail.

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#5 Ice

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Posted 28 August 2012 - 10:22 PM

im sure a few of the guys i know have gone with au falcon fans for some reason

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#6 warrenm

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Posted 29 August 2012 - 07:44 AM

Stick with the std engine driven fan & water pump, you'll find it hard to get an electric fan to move as much air as the std. I have run my car down the strip with std & thermo & the times never altered.

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#7 orangeLJ

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Posted 29 August 2012 - 07:54 AM

If you run a big balancer, chances are you wont fit an engine fan in there.

I was rjnning the engine fan, spaced to clear the big romac balancer, had reasonable clearance until I had a bit of a moment with the clutch, mid corner at somewhere around 5k rpm. (was impressive up until that point!)

Engine mounts flexed just enough to have the fan kiss the radiator..... Made a mess.

Im running a single 12" fan on the front of 56mm cored radiator (custom JAR branded)

Racecar is running twin 10" fans on the front of a 60+ cored radiator (with the radiator tabs removed to fit)

My lj wont get over 60 on the guage with the fan on and will happily run in winter with no fans ive found.

So short answer from me,

Fan on the front, one 14" should be more than enough,
Have athreaded bung fitted to your radiator to suit a thermo switch.

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#8 _Inj gtr202_

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Posted 29 August 2012 - 09:58 AM

Stick with the std engine driven fan & water pump, you'll find it hard to get an electric fan to move as much air as the std. I have run my car down the strip with std & thermo & the times never altered.

x2.
I had twin thermos and ended up putting the standard mech fan back on.

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#9 orangeLJ

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Posted 29 August 2012 - 12:42 PM

This is my current setup-

Posted Image

you can see the problem with space

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#10 fenz

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Posted 29 August 2012 - 02:50 PM

Whats the spacing meant to be on the standard mech.fan to radiator??
I know you dont want too close as others have found out.
Mine tends to run a bit warm in the summer (no spacer between fan and pulley)

Sorry for the hijack.

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#11 _jklumpp_

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Posted 30 August 2012 - 08:24 AM

Thanks all.
Good point Chris - this new engine has a massive balancer on it, and looking at the clearance to the fan there's no way it will fit...
...next question is the switching - I'm wondering why I can't just run something like these http://www.tridon.co...35&G=483&P=2014 instead of the Davies Craig type switch that I have to insert into the coolant or radiator fins?
The 12 port head has 2 threaded outlets on it, so I could run 1 for the gauge, and 1 for the thermo fan? I would think this was a much neater solution.

Anyone have any idea's on why this wouldn't work?

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#12 _Macka_

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Posted 30 August 2012 - 08:10 PM

I run an Aussie Desert Cooler with 14 inch thermo. No clearance issues and works great. I have not though had anything else to compare it with.

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#13 _CraigA_

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Posted 30 August 2012 - 10:52 PM

Mine is the same as Macka's - triple core triple flow desert cooler with 14" front mounted fan and 72 deg thermostat.

My fan is operated by a programmable controller. Can set fan on temp (I use 85 deg), fan off temp (78) warm up temp warning (60), over temp warnings (95 and 100) Uses thermocouple fitted to outside of thermostat housing.

Car nevers gets hot. Like Chris for most if the year the electric fan doesn't come on.

Controller available on eBay.

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#14 _NYS 71_

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Posted 31 August 2012 - 08:32 PM

just throwing it out there i run a alloy radiator an two 12 inch davies craig fans that push throught the radiator, fans are slightly wider than the torana radiator support panel but with slight grinding fits a charm, pushes alot of air. no heating problems.