What fan relay to use

Hey I picked up a lincoln mark viii electric fan for my f100 since I heard nothing but good about them. Plus the mechanical fan doesn't do much. I was just wondering who else has done this and what amp relay I am required to run with this fan since it draws so much current. I've done a couple of e-fan setups, but never with a fan that had a high and low speed like this one.

So, does anyone have any suggestions to keep this simple, cheap and reliable? Hoping to hook this up soon for the Woodward Cruise.

Thanks, Justin.

get a OEM Lincoln fan relay

DanH wrote:get a OEM Lincoln fan relay

Just the relay out of the fuse box? Or all the wiring and the temp sender?

Justin the amperage requirement of the fan should be on the fan motor. At least use a relay rated at or above the fan rating. It too depends on the wire size (gauge) and the wire's length. Make sure you have a good 12 volt source to power the fan and use a correct rated, quality circuit breaker. If no rating label or marking is on the fan, you can use an amperage meter to check the requirement. If that is not possible, use a relay rated at or above 30 amps and a breaker of 30 amps. May be a bit high but the two items mentioned will work and provide adequate amperage to the fan's motor while protecting your electrical system. All of these items can be purchased at your local "big box" auto parts store or at most quality auto parts stores. As a means to trigger the fan, manual switching or a temperature warning light sending unit with a value that you like. Remember, a sending unit for a warning light GROUNDS the circuit.

Dave.

So essentially this? This is what I was looking at, except I wanted it to run a little cooler than 200F
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HEAVY-DUTY-ELECTRIC-FAN-RELAY-KIT-W-THERMOSTAT-FORD-CHEVY-STREET-ROD-RACE-CAR-/160859682180?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2573fbf584&vxp=mtr

That would do it although I think you can auto parts store it cheaper.

Dave.

LivermoreDave wrote:That would do it although I think you can auto parts store it cheaper.

Dave.

Okay sweet, I was on the right track. Thanks, I'll look around a little more for pricing. I'd like the temp to stay somewhere in the 170-190 range.

Wheels and tires tomorrow, putting a gas tank in....Almost steeet legal!

Most recommend a 70 amp for the lincoln and taurus fans. The draw is around 30 amps when running but some people have measured spikes up in the 70-100 amp range when it first kicks in. I used a 70 amp from a local electronic store. It wasn't that expensive but the big relays use larger spade connectors ( 3/8") than a standard relay which can be hard to find. Try the same electronic store or order them online. I got lucky and found 1 pack a NAPA store.


http://www.sherco-auto.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FR80

http://www.sherco-auto.com/weekly.htm

I can't remember but is the Lincoln fan a two speed unit or single speed? I thought they were two speed which means you will need 2-3 relays depending on your wiring method. You only need the 70 amp for high speed and I used a regular 30 amp for the slow speed. Are you running A/C? I wired mine to run on low when the key is on and switch to high when the A/C is engage.

I have a few different wiring diagrams so you if you tell me your needs I will try and hook you up with the right one.

These guys can fix you up http://www.dccontrol.com/relay_controllers.htm Lots of info at the Corral

Here's a good how to, just go down the page.

http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/cooling-articles/482048-junkyard-upgrade-dual-electric-fans.html

And like the above post here's some parts.
http://www.dccontrol.com/selector.htm

That Mark V 111 fan is really Baddass. It WILL cool it down.

im running the dodge viper fan its the same type fan it draws 40 amps amp will blow a 40 amp fuse some times. im using a 70amp relay and a 50 amp maxi fuse with # 12 wire and a hayden 3653 controller. you will need a hi output alt or it will take the battery down i use a ford g3 off a 95 mustang there 135 amp

quick 52 wrote:im running the dodge viper fan its the same type fan it draws 40 amps amp will blow a 40 amp fuse some times. im using a 70amp relay and a 50 amp maxi fuse with # 12 wire and a hayden 3653 controller. you will need a hi output alt or it will take the battery down i use a ford g3 off a 95 mustang there 135 amp

Yes you will need a G3 and here's how
http://oldfuelinjection.com/?p=75
go down to G3 and click on what you need, go to home page and scroll down to see more info...Everything you need to know is in there.
http://oldfuelinjection.com/?p=63

Home page.
http://oldfuelinjection.com/

70 Amp relay is the minimum I'd run with tha fan. I cooked a 70 amp in wet weather (Drag Week 07) and upgraded to to a 100 Amp unit that looks a bit like a Ford starter solenoid I found from an Ebay seller who also sells used Mark VIII fans. I use #4 wire off the back of a 200 amp alternator, Ford 04 Cobra type as there are several other big electrical loads on my street car. Measured turn on transient from the Mark VIII will hit 100 amps. MSD used to have a little calcualtor online to add up over all electrical draw.

Looks like there is a 2 speed and 1 speed version. And the one I got is a one speed. Hoping it moves a lot of air like the 2 speed

bb429power wrote:Looks like there is a 2 speed and 1 speed version. And the one I got is a one speed. Hoping it moves a lot of air like the 2 speed

The easiest way to tell is how many wires are coming out the back. 2 or 3? I would go with the 80 amp I posted above if it is only one speed because it is going to have the biggest draw when it first comes on. With the two speed the way I have mine wired it goes slow speed before high speed so I don't think it would have such a large initial surge.

you guys have the dimensions and pictures of the lincoln fan?

I'm running one of the DC controls units(FK35)with a MKVIII fan. Been using it for 4 years and it has been 100% reliable. I have it set up to start ramping up the fan at 154 to full speed at 180. on a 100 degree day hot lapping the car at the track it comes into the waterbox at 160, turns out at 180 and cools back to 150 in about 5 minutes. I highly recommend this part. The only drawback is the guy who makes them is a one man show(Brian Baskin) and it can take 4-6 weeks to get your part.

dirt_worker wrote:you guys have the dimensions and pictures of the lincoln fan?

I have one in the utility shed. I will try to measure it for you. IF i can remember too.

The fan blade looks to be about 17".
The shroud is about 21 3/4"
The widest part is where the shroud bolts at the top.26"

Here's a good read on these Fan's
http://forums.tccoa.com/showthread.php?t=136722

bbf-falcon wrote:Here's a good read on these Fan's
http://forums.tccoa.com/showthread.php?t=136722

That's the page I read when I found out it was a single speed Good read!

i have a one of the taurus fans in my ram 1500. i originally made the mistake of using a 30amp relay which lasted all of month before it cooked while i was in traffic and watched my gauge climb. I ordered a 70 amp off ebay and have been going strong now for 2 years. This fan moves some serious air i drove through WV and NC mountains in 100 degree weather with a motorcycle in the back and the a/c on; the truck never went above 180.

the lincolin fan is only 1 speed, ford runs it as a two speed with a resistor in a low speed circuit.

The Bosh 75 amp relay is perfect, and can be had pretty cheap, otherwise you can get by with two parts store 35 amp realays and a split circuit for switching.