2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Electric Fan???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 09:22 AM
  #1  
J-man's Avatar
Thread Starter
Divine FC
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Hayward
Electric Fan???

Hey,
could someone tell me what I would need to convert my Turbo II to an e-fan?
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 09:36 AM
  #2  
Mazmart Trini's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Ga
There is a great writeup on Rotary Resurrection.
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 09:54 AM
  #3  
Aaron Cake's Avatar
Engine, Not Motor
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 29,798
Likes: 128
From: London, Ontario, Canada
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/efanmyth.htm

http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/efaninstall.htm
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 06:31 PM
  #4  
lax-rotor's Avatar
Technician
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
Figure I could post this here. The current Efan I have installed on my 7 sucks so I'm looking to replace it with a better one. I looked up the Black magic and it goes for around 200 at the Napa store, but while flipping through the Black Dragon Magazine I got today I noted they sell an Efan, but they don't say how many CFM it pulls. Would I be safe in assuming that it pulls enough CFM (2900) because it's offered in an RX7 specific magazine? Or would this be a question better suited to ask them in an Email?
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 06:35 PM
  #5  
RotaMan99's Avatar
Rotary Freak
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Global Vicinity How To below.

The Electric Fan

Please READ EVERYTHING in the link I posted and what Aaron posted BEFORE attempting a side step conversion to an electric fan.

Would I be safe in assuming that it pulls enough CFM (2900) because it's offered in an RX7 specific magazine
Looks like a generic fan that most of the time pulls around 2300-2500 CFM @ ZERO static pressure. <-- REMEMBER THAT VERY LAST PART!
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 07:35 PM
  #6  
phoenix7's Avatar
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
summitracing.com has a good 3000CFM fan with a 10A draw for under 100 bux
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 08:39 PM
  #7  
lax-rotor's Avatar
Technician
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
Originally Posted by phoenix7
summitracing.com has a good 3000CFM fan with a 10A draw for under 100 bux
Part Number?
HFM-ZFB16S ?
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 08:54 PM
  #8  
phoenix7's Avatar
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
yuppers, 16", can be mouted to push or pull, 10A draw

https://www.rx7club.com/showpost.php...6&postcount=11
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 09:14 PM
  #9  
RotaMan99's Avatar
Rotary Freak
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
summitracing.com has a good 3000CFM fan with a 10A draw for under 100 bux
10amps at zero static pressure. The current draw will increase when it needs to pull air through multiple heat exchangers.

Example, mine was rated at 7amps @ 2500CFM. I didn't believe it so I told my self 10amps. It actually pulls 14.5 amps running. Startup my meter is to slow to measure but I get about 15.9amps. Im sure its over 20 amps though.
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 10:43 PM
  #10  
Soma's Avatar
I knw wht u did last sumr
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Originally Posted by phoenix7
summitracing.com has a good 3000CFM fan with a 10A draw for under 100 bux
Personally, I'm a big fan of Perma-Cool!
2950 CFM, 9.8 Amp draw and
it fits together nicely with the taurus shroud.

Summit Part# PRM-19115
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 11:45 PM
  #11  
91s5narx's Avatar
Full Member
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: buffalo, ny
i was thinking of doing an efan myself, what about the taurus fan?
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2007 | 12:54 AM
  #12  
phoenix7's Avatar
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
shroud, not fan. I've never seen it, post pics please?
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2007 | 01:22 AM
  #13  
siguy2k's Avatar
SLEEPER
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 11
From: nebraska
Where did you guys mount your tempature sensor?
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2007 | 04:26 AM
  #14  
FC3S~'s Avatar
Junior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Perth, Australia
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/efaninstall.htm
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2007 | 05:54 AM
  #15  
RotaMan99's Avatar
Rotary Freak
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
^^REPOST^^

You guys needs to READ!

[Personally, I'm a big fan of Perma-Cool!
2950 CFM, 9.8 Amp draw and
it fits together nicely with the taurus shroud.

Summit Part# PRM-19115
did you personally test the current the fan motor pulls when installed and operating?
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2007 | 06:52 PM
  #16  
Soma's Avatar
I knw wht u did last sumr
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: AZ
I can't personally attest that it pulls 9.8 amps running.
Just going off the specs posted by Perma-Cool.
This must be the draw at "zero static pressure" if
they're recommending a 25-30 amp fuse.
Sorry, no pics of it in the car.
Attached Thumbnails Electric Fan???-f1.jpg   Electric Fan???-f2.jpg  
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2007 | 07:03 PM
  #17  
battle cattle's Avatar
Overboostin MoFo
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville TN/Charleston SC
ok this is a stupid question but where is the stock location of the thermostat? I am looking into wiring an e-fan but can't find it.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2007 | 07:31 PM
  #18  
RX drift's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: willis, VA
Originally Posted by battle cattle
ok this is a stupid question but where is the stock location of the thermostat? I am looking into wiring an e-fan but can't find it.
not to be an *** but if some one read the WHOLE wright up and at least allready knew how the stock fan works there is not thermostat, or at least what you need to wire in a e-fan.

you know Where the stack fan mounts? That round thing built into the back of the and is the thermostat. It is a centrifugal fluid clutch in a way, if you read the wright up (quite a good read) it tells you all about it.

I replaced my broke stock fan with a flex a lite black magic #150, and like it quite well. You will not gain any power by using a e-fan so you know but you do gain a SLIGHT throttle response. I liked the e-fan over the stock, mainly caused it worked LOL, but also it continues to cool your engine after it is turned off if you use a thermo. switch.

but also if you have a stock battery it will prob kill it on a hot day after a decent drive, but i already have a 800cc optima yellow top so i had no worries.

I also wired my positive wire for my fan directly to the battery so i pulls of the battery and not straight from the alt. Now i am no electronics sys. guru so it may still pull of the alt directly, but when i kicks in there is no change in idle so i would assume no electrical load on the alternator???

and finally another reason why i like e-fan is it is a little easier on your engine on start up, the old clutch would engage the fan right on start up for a few sec(or at least mine did) but with an e-fan it doesn't kick in until it is needed.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2007 | 07:41 PM
  #19  
battle cattle's Avatar
Overboostin MoFo
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville TN/Charleston SC
Originally Posted by RX drift
not to be an *** but if some one read the WHOLE wright up and at least allready knew how the stock fan works there is not thermostat, or at least what you need to wire in a e-fan.

you know Where the stack fan mounts? That round thing built into the back of the and is the thermostat. It is a centrifugal fluid clutch in a way, if you read the wright up (quite a good read) it tells you all about it.
I don't consider you being an *** but... I bought my car with an e-fan already on it so I never even thought to look into myth of the efan. But once you said that I looked it over and makes sense now. I have to pick up a thermostat assembly. Thats all

Thank you
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2007 | 07:58 PM
  #20  
RX drift's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: willis, VA
Originally Posted by battle cattle
I don't consider you being an *** but... I bought my car with an e-fan already on it so I never even thought to look into myth of the efan. But once you said that I looked it over and makes sense now. I have to pick up a thermostat assembly. Thats all

Thank you
A thermostat should be pretty cheap and easy to install. But if you look into replacing it ever the black magic series has a thermo built it, it helped out quite a lot with the install, as far as easiness and looks.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2007 | 07:58 PM
  #21  
phoenix7's Avatar
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
I put in a thermoswitch in the Upper hose. I'm thinking of gutting the thermostat (so it can still restrict flow but doesn't remain open) and set the thermoswitch with a thermometer to 185*
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2007 | 01:57 AM
  #22  
rebel2k4's Avatar
Junior Member
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: co
be careful with modding that tstat, usually always makes you run too hot when you do
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2007 | 04:01 AM
  #23  
NZConvertible's Avatar
I'm a boost creep...
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,608
Likes: 8
From: Auckland, New Zealand
Originally Posted by phoenix7
I'm thinking of gutting the thermostat (so it can still restrict flow but doesn't remain open) and set the thermoswitch with a thermometer to 185*
I can't think of any logical reason to do either of those things. They certainly won't help cooling. Leave the thermostat alone so it works the way it's supposed to, and set the fan to come on only when it's needed.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2007 | 08:08 AM
  #24  
RotaMan99's Avatar
Rotary Freak
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
SOMA, that setup looks fantastic. very very clean looking. How is the clearance between the blades and the radiator?

I liked the e-fan over the stock, mainly caused it worked LOL, but also it continues to cool your engine after it is turned off if you use a thermo. switch.
This is NOT how a e-fan is supposed to work or be wired. Having it cool after the engine shuts off will do nothing positive for the engine. Only drains your battery.

I also wired my positive wire for my fan directly to the battery so i pulls of the battery and not straight from the alt. Now i am no electronics sys. guru so it may still pull of the alt directly, but when i kicks in there is no change in idle so i would assume no electrical load on the alternator???
The Battery, while the engine is running, acts as a cushin for large current loads. The alternator will still be directly effected by the fan and all electrical devices that are attached to the battery.

The reason there is no change in idle is because the alternator is already maxed out meaning fully strained, not producing enough power which also means you are below 12.8v and are now running straight off the battery. I believe there is a overload protection circuit in the alternator so that it will stop producing power if overloaded. This means no strain on the engine which equals out to no change in idle.
Do not go by the stock volt gauge. This is the main problem when switching to e-fans. The stock Alts simply can not produce enough power.

Click on the link to find out how to properly wire an electric fan.
Wiring an Electric Fan

I'm thinking of gutting the thermostat (so it can still restrict flow but doesn't remain open)
If you gut the thermostat, it WILL remain open.

set the thermoswitch with a thermometer to 185*
No no no no no.

See this is one of the cons about an electric fan. Because it puts a load on the alternator which directly puts load on the e-shaft, which will actually be more load then what the clutch fan will put on normally, the fan will have to cylce on and off which is only going to but cylced strain on the alternator.

You do not want to set the fan's thermoswitch very low. It will never shut off and will decrease the life of the motor and will over cool your engine with a "gutted" thermostat or no thermostat.

This is ALL COVERED in my writeup and I also think Aaron covers it as well in his. both can be found in this thread so READ!
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2007 | 08:51 AM
  #25  
RotaMan99's Avatar
Rotary Freak
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Originally Posted by Me
I believe there is a overload protection circuit in the alternator so that it will stop producing power if overloaded. This means no strain on the engine which equals out to no change in idle.
I may be wrong about the overload protection and if I am and you do overload the alternator you will run the risk of ruining it perminently and you will be below 12.8v and will have no change in idle speed no matter how much have an electrical load you put on it.

Last edited by RotaMan99; Nov 11, 2007 at 09:00 AM.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:15 AM.