[4ePikanini]

For now the electric fans are to replace a non-working viscous
- the temp crept up slightly on the trail at De Kraal and the viscous didn't kick in
- when the engine is cold in the morning it locks up for a looooong time

Ideally I want a working viscous ( when I can afford a new one - soon ) and then the electrical fans become backups.

[RoelfleRoux]

Point taken, good luck.
Keep us posted on the effectiveness of the electric setup.

[4ePikanini]

good news came in today so that viscous will be here soon!

[RoelfleRoux]

So is it going to be a new mechanical fan and not an electrical one?

[4ePikanini]

So is it going to be a new mechanical fan and not an electrical one?

both

[RoelfleRoux]

To quote hbannink
Personally I think you are itching where you don't want to scratch[*]

But don't let us stand in your way...
Hardly married and already wasting time in the workshop....

[4ePikanini]

It is likely overkill but at the cost I find it worthwhile. I am not changing anything in the end. The viscous will work as it should but in addition to that I have an electrical system that is stand alone.

With the led status lights I can pick up if the car is working overly hard or if the system fails. In addition I will wire one of the additional temp sensors to a buzzer.

I'd rather do this than feeling stressed out about overheating the car. I have had too may experiences with overheating cars.

On the other hand....... these types of projects are a learning curve and enjoyable to me.

[4ePikanini]

I bit the bullet and bought a viscous fan.

I can now vouch that there is ABSOLUTELY no way an electric fan can pull like a viscous when it locks up.

I still modded the electric A/C fan so I can have it on permanently if I wish.

I will use the 90, 95 & 100 degree sensors that are on the way as monitors with status lights and a coolant loss sensor with buzzing alarm to be on the safe side.

My experience in this after all this...... I feel safer with a viscous than an electric. I suppose a failed viscous is better than a failed electric.

NB : The parts store only had a viscous for a colt 2.8 TD. It looks identical and bolts right up to the pulley and fan, other than the fact that it sits about 2mm closer to the radiator which is fine by me as it will lock slightly sooner - it still has about 20mm between the fan fins and radiator.