CoolingDiscuss all of the aspects of cooling that you can think of! Radiators, transmissions, electric fans, etc.
Welcome to ThirdGen.org!
Welcome to ThirdGen.org.
You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join the ThirdGen.org community today!
The Dakota Digital PAC-2000. It can control 1, 2, or 1 dual speed fan. I have dual factory fans. With this device I can control both fans and adjust them to turn on and off at any useful temperature. You can even set it up to runs the fans for 30s-2min after the engine is shut down, if the temp is high enough. The device also has a digital temperature readout. Which will be nice for me so I can double check gauge and CTS readings. I plan to mount it in my ashtray so I can flip up the lid and see the temperature. I may also put a switch for each fan in their in case I want to override the system. The unit appears to be easily adjustable so you can adjust it for much higher temperatures when its time to go in for emissions testing.
You can feed the unit temperature data with either a Dakota Digital CTS or the stock CTS. If you use the stock CTS you will need to do a custom calibration. For $13 I decided to use a Dakota Digital CTS. I will mount it where the stock secondary fan switch used to be on the passenger side head. The best part is Dakota has 8 different temperature sensors. They have the normal 1/8, 3/8, 1/2 NPT and metric sensors to go in the block or you can get the temperature off of aftermarket temperature gauge signals. I went with the 1/2" NPT sensor since that is the hole size in my heads.
I'm really excited to finally have control over my fans. I going to try my primary fan on-195 off-185 and secondary on-205 off-190. I am using a 180* thermostat. I plan to install it this week. Will keep you guys updated!
Re: For those struggling with fans not working/fan control issues. A solution.
I wanted to provide an update. I have been using this thing for a couple of months now and its great. For the first time in years I'm not constantly watching the temp gauge or flipping manual fan switches. Highly recommended for those fed up with trying to make the stock control system work.
Re: For those struggling with fans not working/fan control issues. A solution.
I'll admit, that is a kick-ss controller but, at the $100 price tag, it isn't in everyones budget.
It is however, one of the best aftermarket controllers I have seen.
for the find, info and followup.
__________________ "You're never too old to learn something stupid."
- '87 Formula Firebird - never ending project
- '91 RS Camaro - *sold
- '93 Z28 - donor
- '71 Camaro LT - as if I need another project.....
- '00 S-10 Xtreme ext cab... new beater
Re: For those struggling with fans not working/fan control issues. A solution.
This may be right up my alley... My heads have cracked before because I was running without a fan for a while (bad wiring on the previous owners part) and I had a manual fan switch which was often neglected. Are you running dual fans or a single? I am running a single fan from a thunderbird SC..
Re: For those struggling with fans not working/fan control issues. A solution.
I run the factory dual fans. The controller is setup to run a single fan, single dual speed fan, or dual fans. You could make it control more fans if you get creative. How big is that T-bird fan?
I didn't order an extra relay or even used the relay that came with the kit. Since my car has dual fans stock I just used all the stock relays and wiring. All I had to do was tap into the signal wire for each fan's relay and connect it to the fan controller. Since I mounted mine near the ecm I just took the fan signal wire coming out of the ECM for the primary fan and spliced it to the first channel of the controller. I forget which ECM harness pin it was, but I can check. For the second fan I just spliced a wire from the secondary fan switch on the passenger side head into the second channel of the controller.
If you don't have factory dual fans, or just want to start from scratch it shouldn't be to hard but you will have to wire up relays. Check out the link above for wiring directions.
To adjust temperature you have to push a series of buttons on the controller. Check the instructions linked above. Its easy, and keeps the settings if you disconnect your battery.