electric fans and temp gauge?

melisahe

melisahe

Senior Member
I have electric radiator fans working off a temp sensor in the eng block. I would like to also monitor the temp on a gauge. Any ideas on how I could do this? do they make a "T" fitting that would work? Thanks Mike
 
My Spal kit sensor screwed into the head. I run a separate temp gauge off the intake manifold. I don't think you would get a true temperature any way but having 2 separate sensors.
 
melisahe said:
I have electric radiator fans working off a temp sensor in the eng block. I would like to also monitor the temp on a gauge. Any ideas on how I could do this? do they make a "T" fitting that would work? Thanks Mike
Click to expand...
What engine?
Where on the block is the existing Temp / fan sensor?
 
It's 460 Lincoln, sitting in a 1962 ford sunliner. The current temp sensor is located in the front center of the intake manifold. That is what I have the fan switch connected to. It works as it should. 180 degree comes on. drops off at 170. Thanks Mike
 
Grainger has (or did have - haven't checked lately) inexpensive thermometer that has a sensor lead of ten feet that goes into the upper radiator hose. The part number that I have is 5XL18. I don't think it requires any type of electrical connection. The lead is very small so it shouldn't create any type of leak.
 
If the oem temp sender was NPT, then with enough parts you can always fit a T in. I've not had good luck with T's, the lack of water flow past the sensor seems to make them read either slow or erratic. And ugly.

I prefer to turn the fan on at the radiator and my favorite controller is the adjustable Flex-a- Lite. They're not cheap, but the slow start, ramp up, adjustable settings, etc. make them worth it. It's a small probe that goes thru the radiator fins. This lets the fan only work when it's needed by airflow. My y block typically only runs the fan in traffic, not when I'm over 40 mph. Everyone has their opinion, and some set ups actually run the fan from the bottom of the radiator.

I check everything with a cheap infrared thermometer when I set it up. Even the $20 ones from Amazon are within 1 degree of the Flukes I've checked them against.

https://www.flex-a-lite.com/accessories/electric-fan-controllers.html
 
Most 460's had sensors for emissions in the T stat housing. I know the fitting is on the radiator side of the T stat but it might be worth a try.
 
Look in into Dakota Digital. Electric cooling fan controller PAC-2750. I use one on my 36 it all works on one sending unit. I would call them to see if you can use your OEM sending unit, But I think you can.
 
When I turn the ignition on my fans run, there are 3 fans, a large pusher fan in front, and 2 small pull fans inside at bottom of radiator. They continue running for a minute or so after engine is shut down. Don't have any idea how they are wired. Guess I need to look into that, it never runs over 190 deg. on hot Texas summer days.
 
On my Y block, I drilled and tapped the intake behind the thermostat. Any intake can be modified this way. That is where the hottest water is.
 
miker98038 said:
If the oem temp sender was NPT, then with enough parts you can always fit a T in. I've not had good luck with T's, the lack of water flow past the sensor seems to make them read either slow or erratic. And ugly.
Click to expand...

The trouble with this method is that the sensor bulb has to be immersed directly in coolant flow, the deeper the better. If the T-FITTING traps an air bubble, then the sensor(s) are non-effective.
 
Some thermostat housings have a port for a gauge bulb. Probably not as accurate as in as an in head or intake installation, but it should work. Are the heads plugged for a gauge? If so use both sides.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top