Author Topic: Finally--Electric fan (Read 15393 times)

Wizard · « **on:** May 30, 2009, 10:48:58 AM »

I finally did my Volvo fan conversion after my clutch fan took a crap...I did use my original shroud instead of the Volvo one that people usually use..Had to fab up 3 "L" brackets to bolt the fan to the shroud...

I also used the Volvo relays and just hard wired to a voltage source (aux fuse panel), and the 318ti temp switch.

Fan automatically comes on ( low speed) when the temp needle is a tick over 1/2 way. Never have had the high side kick in yet...

JP 91iS · « **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2009, 12:39:42 PM »

Nice, so far I've considered mine a worthwhile swap. I used the Volvo shroud since it gave a little more room in the engine bay. My fan also barely ever needs to come on, but when it does the temp is at slightly over half. Take any pictures?

DesktopDave · « **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2009, 12:57:56 PM »

I was considering this. What's the temp range & part number on the 318ti switch?

JP 91iS · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2009, 05:05:06 PM »

80�/88� Dual Temp Switch: 61-31-8-361-787

freeclowns · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2009, 01:44:55 AM »

Whats the pro's and con's to this? I have a 94 318is with a cai and about to do the exhaust. Will replacing the factory fan with an electric free up any hp that the car is using to spin the blet drivin fan?

Wizard · « **Reply #5 on:** June 01, 2009, 07:54:03 AM »

Probably no advantage except cost....Will not really gain much in HP department (Maybe 2)...Junkyard fans are cheap....Replacing the clutch fan is not...Fan clutch is around $70-$80...I think my total setup was less then $40 with new sender...

tjts1 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 01, 2009, 08:59:34 AM »

Nice. Did you remove the Aux fan yet?

Wizard · « **Reply #7 on:** June 01, 2009, 12:43:17 PM »

Quote from: tjts1;72740

Nice. Did you remove the Aux fan yet?

not yet....I actually have the aux fan hotwired to my A/C circuit...

The setup above is totally independent..

tjts1 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 01, 2009, 01:09:25 PM »

Just be careful to avoid situation both the AUX and volvo fan are running at high speed at the same time. Together they can draw over 50A and I think our alternator is 70A. Doesn't leave much for the rest of the car. Once you're totaly confidence in the puller fan setup I would at least disable the aux fan for the good of the alternator. The AUX fan is a bitch to remove without disassembling the bumper or radiator. I used the power wires going to the aux fan as triggers for the volvo fan which worked out nicely.
good luck
Justin

HATER-PROOF · « **Reply #9 on:** June 02, 2009, 03:00:52 AM »

Just to let you know that a 1987 volvo has a alternator that put's out 90 amps(same set-up) as far as bolt line up.

JP 91iS · « **Reply #10 on:** June 02, 2009, 01:27:04 PM »

Changing your alternator is unnecessary. The single volvo fan will pull enough air, so no need to run 2 fans.

Jimmy Lewis · « **Reply #11 on:** June 02, 2009, 02:29:19 PM »

Looks great, I need to do this badly. Maybe I will swing by the junkyard tomorrow and try to get something rolling. Eric you game for helping me wire it?

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #12 on:** June 03, 2009, 12:10:51 PM »

Looks alot like my setup, but I wired mine like TJTS1... using the aux fan circuit. Only problem I'm having is that my fan doesn't kick on until just before the 3/4 mark. Not a big deal really, only time it comes into play is in traffic. And even then it's before the 3/4 mark so no overheating.

tjts1 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 03, 2009, 12:27:51 PM »

Quote from: AcSchnitzer318is;72954

Looks alot like my setup, but I wired mine like TJTS1... using the aux fan circuit. Only problem I'm having is that my fan doesn't kick on until just before the 3/4 mark. Not a big deal really, only time it comes into play is in traffic. And even then it's before the 3/4 mark so no overheating.

Were you having an issue with the temperature switch or did you replace it with the 318ti one? Mine turns on somewhere between 1/2-3/4 but it seems to work just fine. like that.

RidingSimple · « **Reply #14 on:** June 03, 2009, 01:23:02 PM »

What about just wiring it to a in cabin on/off switch? How hard would it be to just flip the switch when you see the temp hit halfway? I'd *much* prefer this so I have total control. Besides, it would give me something to do.