One of the wires that needs to be wired is to a source thats on only when the key is turned on. What can I hook this to under the hood? If thats not an option what else can I do? Is there some way to hook it up to the fuse box? Thanks

 

Use a relay, and use an "ignition-hot" line to trigger the relay to the fan, if you want to have it always run when the key is in the on position. You can get that from the fuse panel, but there are better ways to do it.

Mike-P should be able to chime in too.

 

I got mine from the fuse panel.

 

It has a built in thermostat and the power will come directly from the battery. Which raises an intersting point, whats the point in having a wire that tells it when the car is on? According to badassrx-7 the fan runs for a few minutes even after you turn the car off. So what the hell is the point? can I just not run that wire and still make it work?

 

That depends on how you wire it. If the power supply is from an "always on" it will continue to run after the car is shut off (not necessarily a bad thing IMO).

The other way, the fan will still work the same, but only with the key in the ignition.

 

I would prefer it to run for a bit after the car is off just to cool it off more. So can i just ignore that one wire?

 

I am not sure on how you're doing it, but if using the relay, just tap it into the constant power wire as well, so relay trigger is always on as well.

Downloadable instructions in PDF format here

 

Ok, thanks. If I want do want to use that wire, what is a good source to hook it too? I guess I'm just brain dead right now, cause I can't think of what would be usable under the hood.

 

The only switched 12V wires I can think of underhood are part of the engine harness and run **** like the wipers.

 

You should run a direct (and fused) line to the battery. Fans need the higher amperage from a battery, or everything else will start to dim.

 

I ran my ignition switched line to the input of one of my coils...works great.

 

just FYI, the twin electric fans on an Iltis (volkswagen/audi jeeplike thingy) are wired to turn on whenever the coolant is warm enough to need it - meaning they're typically on for 15-20 mins after engine shutoff.

 

how does that affect the battery? i'm all for a cool engine but whats the point if it kills my battery every time i shut it off and leave? if theres one thing i hate its a dead battery.....

 

On my previous SE I had 3 (yes Three) electric Fans. One Pusher, One Puller on the radiator, and one smaller one for the AC Condenser.

The Radiator ones worked of temperture only, and would run for approximately 10 minutes after the car was shut off.

Worked fine, nothing special, stock alternator, good battery.

 

Yeah, my VW does this. I really don't see the point though as it's only cooling the water in the radiator. Now, if you could keep the coolant circulating that would be entirely different... electric water pump anyone?

As for the wiring... if you'd like to have the fans come on with ignition only run the trigger wire to one of the ignition coils. If you want them on after shut down (waste of time) run it straight to the battery. Note, if you just leave it disconnected your fans will never come on!

 

dumb question: which wire is the one to hook it to on the coils? a pic would be helpful. thanks for all the help everyone btw

 

An idea on mounting the Black Magic.

 

 

 

Thanks directfreak, that looks really good. I'll have to get a pic of the custom brakets i made. I'm using a used rad out of a 82 so I just mounted it to the fan shroud mounting holes with some pieces of aluminum I bent. It looks really nice.

 

 

 

Sorry guys havent been around much this week.

You can get an igntion power source from a lot of places in the engine compartment. There are 2 on the coils , 1 per coil..

Ok heres what you do:

Ground the fan lead to the frame rail.

Connect a wire from an ignition source to a relay.

Heres how to wire it..

85 goes to ground
86 goes 12V ign
87 to 12V battery w/appropriate fuse inline within 6 inches of the battery1 (very important)
30 goes to the fans hot wire
If you want to wire a switch to control the fan, run the 85 wire for the relay to the switch and ground the other end. But take not fan will only work when switch is on (duh ) And since your using a relay, you wont need no MASSIVE mondo switch. A regular SPDT 1A switch will be fine

 

See the ones with the ring terminals on them, theres ALSO a big + on the coil Man to do any electrical work you need to purchase a DVM (digital volt meter) You can buy an el cheapo special at advance or autozone.. They work good for resistance/voltage etc. But I prefer my Fluke meter, does Tach and all kinds of fun stuff