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 Post subject: Radiator Fan Amps
PostPosted: Fri May 19, 2017 11:11 am 
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Location: Suburban St. Louis
Has anyone noted the amps draw of the electric radiator fan? (No mechanical fan)

My 2002 has gone through more than one relay. I now have (for several years) that stock relay not power the fan but only trigger a "Bosch" relay that connects power direct (fused) from the battery. That fuse doesn't last sometimes and the fuseholder has itself melted.
If I recall correctly, it uses 17 amps when running, with of course a brief higher number for starting.
It is unreliable enough that we hesitate to take it far from home now, lest it fail us particularly when we want air conditioning.
I think I have a 30 amp fuse in it now,which is too high than I should have for the wiring.

I wonder if the fan itself is using too many amps because of age and wear, and am considering getting a new replacement.
Anybody know a good value for what this draw should be?


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 Post subject: Re: Radiator Fan Amps
PostPosted: Fri May 19, 2017 12:10 pm 
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I dont know the specifics for your fan, but most cooling fans pull 20-25 amps at startup then drop to 10-15 amps steady.
It all depends on the size of the fan motor.

Yes, due to age, your fan is pulling more amps than it should.
I dont know the specifics for your fan, but on many fan motors I have been able to disassemble the motor, clean everything inside, inspect the brushes, and if the brushes are still good, reassemble the motor and get more life out of it.

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 Post subject: Re: Radiator Fan Amps
PostPosted: Sun May 21, 2017 12:36 am 
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Thanks for the reply. I'll do some more research, into a new fan.


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 Post subject: Re: Radiator Fan Amps
PostPosted: Mon May 29, 2017 10:52 am 
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dkcase wrote:
Thanks for the reply. I'll do some more research, into a new fan.


To somewhat close the loop on this thread -- I ordered a replacement fan, Spectra Premium from Rockauto. Out of the carton, it operates at about 11 amps. The starting amps was about 40 , very briefly.

I think this will solve it. I will install it soon.


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 Post subject: Re: Radiator Fan Amps
PostPosted: Fri Dec 29, 2017 11:33 am 
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Did the new fan solve the current-draw issue?
If your new fan did in fact solve your problem, that is important information.

Particularly, for me; I'm installing a notably-used taurus puller-fan today. I tested it briefly yesterday using 18-gauge stranded auto-wire w/gator clips. Both speeds worked, but the clips got #@%! Hot after only 5-10 seconds running. I assumed because the 18 is too thin for the amp-draw (true), but you have me wondering if the aged fan itself is failing.
Although it free-spins quite easily, when running it seems a bit noisy. I think I'll take Flash's advice, tear it down, inspect and replace internal parts as necessary (only paid $10 for fan).

Regarding my final install setup:
50-Amp rated Wiring/Relay/Switch/Connectors/Fuses = Yes.

I'll start a new thread addressing my concerns, but getting a confirmed final resolution of your dilemma would be very helpful.

Thanks!

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 Post subject: Re: Radiator Fan Amps
PostPosted: Mon Jan 01, 2018 2:05 pm 
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Gypsy62 wrote:
Did the new fan solve the current-draw issue? . . .
Thanks!


I just saw this from a couple days ago. I would say the new fan solved it; the fuse has not blown since. The running amps are higher than I think it should be (around 20) but it's ok with the 30amp fuse.

I placed two fuseholders in parallel when I installed it. One has the 30amp fuse, the other has a blown fuse in it to keep dirt out. That is available in case not only does the fuse blow, but the fuseholder is damaged. That has happened.


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