xbcrguy182x

Hey everyone. Quick overview, fan switch on passengerside head, died. So i grounded the wire from the relay on the bracket. Fan turns on when all the time. But now, Im realizing that if the fan is always on, the engine will run cooler, and possibily never leave open loop. I really dont want to replace the fan switch on the passenger side head because its really difficult. So i was wonder, can i forget about the stock fan switch and install one of these, http://store.summitracing.com/partde...iew=skuhttp://

The probe goes into the radiator fin to detect the temperature and kicks on the fan. Would this be a good idea? Thanks,.

scooter500

iTrader: (1)

if the car worked ok before the fan switch died then if it were me I'd put in another OEM or similar fan switch to correct the problem for good. maybe add a pizza, some ice n pop, a couple friends and maybe the job gets easier too

xbcrguy182x

Well, i was looking again, and the black connector that attaches to the switch on the block melted. It has a hole and u can see the inside...lol. I tried to pull out the connector but no luck. Any tips on removing this plug? If i can take it out, should I just splice in a new connector for it and maybe it will solve my problem. Thanks.


This what im talking about. Theres a burnt hole right on the side. That cant be good...lol

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

How so? It's just sitting there, right out in the open; easier than a spark plug. Use a ratchet and socket, shouldn't take more than 30 seconds (not counting draining & refilling the system).

Jut get a new pigtail at the parts store you buy the switch from. They're widely available. You cut the old connector off, and crimp the new pigtail on the wire. Again, less than 30 seconds. Unless of course, you stop for a cold one halfway through, and savor it lovingly; in which case you might maybe be able to stretch it out to 30 seconds.

xbcrguy182x

Dont forget i have a 2.8l V6. Its more in the rear. I can reach it barely, but theres little room. If i find the picture, I'll show you.

I circled the black connector. You can see its burnt and theres a hole in it. I cant seem to pull it out. It rotates easily though.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Oh.... sorry to hear that. I wasn't paying attention I guess. Oh well.

Sorry I can't help then, because I have not the vaguest clue about 6-cyls. I don't think I've ever even seen a 6-cyl motor in one of these cars, beyond just catching a glance and averting my eyes in shame and horror. Wouldn't know one if it walked up and bit me. I certainly don't know where any of the parts are, beyond the basics.

xbcrguy182x

Its alright, I understand....


heres a close up anyway...lol

scooter500

iTrader: (1)

go to a CarQuest or Napa etc. and get a new connector and a new cooling fan switch. use a screw driver or something to get under the end of the burnt connector and pop off the burnt connector (all those connectors will turn around in circles). use a large spark plug socket to take off the old/put on the new fan control switch. plug on new connector... refill coolant and... enjoy!

camaronewbie

I gave up on fan switches myself. Nothing worked from Napa, Autozone, Advance ... I even spent the big bucks on a Thermaster - they all pooped out on me in less than a month.

So I went with the seperate controller like you descibe, with the probe into the radiator. I paid like $100 for mine, it came with extras (like ability to connect switches to always on, always off, can adjust temp, etc.). I like mine, no problems since I installed 2 years ago.

xbcrguy182x

Ahh...so with that, you totally abandoned the stock cooling switch and that green ground wire?

camaronewbie

Yep, basically. And I'm lovin' it!

xbcrguy182x

Sweet. So basically the probe that goes into the radiator will ground out somewhere when the temperature hits *180 or watever* and the fan kicks on?
Does it all connect to the stock relay?

camaronewbie

I don't remember exactly how it connects, but here's the kit that I got: Flex-a-lite - I got this because I switched to a carbed 350 and yanked the ECM out - I think the fan switch in the head still works when you yank out the ECM, but like I said, was having trouble with fan switches. This one is expensive at $100, but it's fully controllable. There are cheaper ones - they even have them at Autozone/Advance on the shelf starting at $25 or so, but have less options.

Flexalite (or whatever brand you choose) website should have wiring instructions online so you can see what's entailed.

NowTheBadNews

iTrader: (3)

Wouldn't something like this be sort of risky? Just seems like it takes longer for surface temps to activate the fan and the radiators surface AKA the fins take a long time to reach 180-195 where internally the coolant is probably much hotter. GM put the sensor in the head for that reason potentially if you did this I would think this type of sensor wouldn't kick the fan on until internal coolant temps are well beyond what that type of a sensor thinks is 190 degrees. ....... Or I could be wrong ...... Coolant temps vary throughout the engine but the most critical coolant are I would think is the heads and cylinder walls which is why GM put the sensor where they did since that is the hottest coolant area ..... If the factory sensor is so hard to get to at least try a heater hose inline pipe with a bung to screw a factory sensor into or something to this affect.

xbcrguy182x

Nice...yeah theres a DERALE one i like, look at my first post in this topic. I read the instructions and looks easy to install. Apparently, it ignores the factory relay and temp switch. Sweet....I think im going to order it.
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Yeah, you are right about that. But I can set the the new switch to turn on the fan at a certain temperature. Decisions...i think ill just try and replace that burnt connector first.

camaronewbie

Everyone so quick to assume that a GM engineer knows what the hell he's doing. I have to ask - where on any 3rd gen car have you ever seen anything that was done by the factory in the best manner it could have been? A fine example is the heater core cover - that last bolt on the top - I'm sure that a simple tab/slot in the plastics would have worked just as well, and been alot easier to deal with! LOL I'm just making a point - there wouldn't be an "afternmarket" market at all if the factory did things in the best way.

Fact is, in my experiences, the fan switch sucks. I tried stealership GM, Carquest, Autozone, and Thermaster - They never work, and when they do, they only work for a month. Probably because the circuit that switches is right there, swimming IN all the heat - and we all know that heat kills electrics. With a seperate controller, the circuitry is where you put it, which I put mine on fenderwell, as far from heat as you can get.

And who needs to take a bath in coolant everytime the thing goes out? Here's a thought - lets put the oil temp sensor in the bottom of the block, so we can swim in oil as well!

Like I said - been running this controller for over 2 years with no problems, and I'm running a hot 350 motor (hot as in runs hot, not that it's that fast). Of course then again, I did get the controller with the adjustability option. I have mine set to come on at 180, and it does. I tested with a thermometer in the radiator, and tested with an infrared at the block. Sure, there's gonna be a few degrees differnece in the block and the radiator - but it's marginal.

xbcrguy182x

You make a lot of sense. Sometimes I think monkeys designed these cars. As for the temperature setting, the difference wont be a problem. Lets see the reading at the radiator is going to be 10 degrees lower than the head. So if i want the fan to turn on at 190, ill set the switch up to turn the fan on at 180. It will make up the difference.

scooter500

iTrader: (1)

in your case the fan switch might still be good, just get a new pig tail for ~ $7.50. was suggesting th e fan switch as that's what I'd do, replace both and drive with peace of mind. but pig tail replacement might be enough to get the fans working as correctly.

back in 96 I had an 86 Firebird (sweet looking body on that car) and sold it in 99 when moving (big mistake) it had the 2.8. the stock fan always worked well in it. wish I'd kept it

xbcrguy182x

yeah, i think i found one at rockauto.com (i love that site)

This should be it, right?

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS Part # S550 {PIGTAIL - ENGINE COOLANT FAN MOTOR}
Temperature Switch

http://info.rockauto.com/SMP/SMPDetail3.html?S550.html

scooter500

iTrader: (1)

That's it

Frozer!!!

iTrader: (11)

Just throw a 350 in there while your at it. I know someone thats selling one for cheap

xbcrguy182x

Great!! Give me your adress so I can mail you the 2 quarters and a nickel.