Cooling Discuss all of the aspects of cooling that you can think of! Radiators, transmissions, electric fans, etc.

Cooling Fan Setpoint?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-13-2019, 06:32 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
DMack_VB757's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Virginia Beach
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 305 V8 (L03)
Transmission: Auto
Cooling Fan Setpoint?

My cooling fan turns on when the A/C is running, however it will not turn on when the engine warms up. I opened up my service manual and the electrical diagnosis says the engine heat sensor won't turn on until it hits 238F. 238F sounds very high. I thought engines were supposed to run around 190 - 210F. Is 238F correct? My last 305 would smoke real bad once it got over 220F, only occuring in heavy summer traffic. This one is not smoking but I always shut it down once it gets up to 220. Should I run this engine up to 240F and see if the fan turns on? What's generally considered a safe maximum temperature for the 305 TBI (L03?)?
Old 03-13-2019, 07:25 AM
  #2  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
dmccain's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: South Ms
Posts: 4,422
Received 721 Likes on 490 Posts
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 355 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt.Posi-3.73s
Re: Cooling Fan Setpoint?

You can put a lower temp fan switch in. I run a SW555 I think and it comes on around 205-210. It is the replacement fan switch for an 89 Turbo Trans Am. Jet makes them that will turn on even cooler but I think 205-210 is optimal. I agree 235 is too hot.
Old 03-13-2019, 11:20 AM
  #3  
Supreme Member

 
midias's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Henrietta NY
Posts: 4,370
Received 189 Likes on 149 Posts
Car: 1984 Trans Am L69
Engine: Sniper EFI Powered 355
Transmission: WC T5 w/ Steel Support Plate
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 Bolt Posi
Re: Cooling Fan Setpoint?

SW555 is my favorite with a 180 degree thermostat it came factory in the 1989 3.8L turbo trans am I believe 212 on and 205 off. Works great for me and is a direct swap over factory.

Here are some alt part numbers

WVE/AIRTEX/WELLS 1S4394 {#3053190, SW555}

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...933036&jsn=449
Old 03-16-2019, 11:18 AM
  #4  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
DMack_VB757's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Virginia Beach
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 305 V8 (L03)
Transmission: Auto
Re: Cooling Fan Setpoint?

I'm having difficulty locating the cooling fan switch. The manual for the L03 (VIN E) shows it somewhere on right side rear of engine block. Can't get an eye on it, should I lift the vehicle and look from underneath?
Old 03-16-2019, 11:24 AM
  #5  
Sponsor

iTrader: (92)
 
Tuned Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Mile High Country !!!
Posts: 15,406
Received 649 Likes on 573 Posts
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Re: Cooling Fan Setpoint?

It’s in the cylinder head, between 6 &8 cylinders.
Old 03-16-2019, 11:26 AM
  #6  
Sponsor

iTrader: (92)
 
Tuned Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Mile High Country !!!
Posts: 15,406
Received 649 Likes on 573 Posts
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Re: Cooling Fan Setpoint?

Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nathan2003
Tech / General Engine
8
09-16-2003 08:36 AM
nathan2003
Cooling
1
09-14-2003 08:14 AM
aziroc
Cooling
2
07-19-2002 02:44 PM
JeffC1500TBI
TBI
7
12-10-2001 10:37 AM
Stuart S
Electronics
1
08-08-2001 09:00 PM



Quick Reply: Cooling Fan Setpoint?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:25 PM.