HEY GUYS!
I was so interested in the SPAL fan controller I saw in this thread, when my cheap crappy electrical fan went bad, I decided this time, instead of using the crappy thermostat that I had to stick in the top radiator hose, this time I would use the SPAL fan controller!
Well, it took me a long time to do the job because I made all the connections waterproof and used wire loom on all the wire runs, but it's done and I'm glad I did it! The SPAL fan controller is really cool.
I already had a power wire coming from my ignition into the under-hood area (actually soldered it onto the ignition switch myself and ran the wire through the firewall) and I used that wire for the SPAL ignition signal, it already has that, so I was able to get rid of my relay. Then I used the OEM OBDII temperature sensor to tell the SPAL controller what temperature the engine has, and hooked the AC signal wire to the AC compressor clutch, so when the AC kicks in, the fan goes into High mode. I might re-do that connection though, I got to thinking, sometimes the clutch can cycle on and off, I don't need the fan cycling too, so I will probably switch that over to the OEM AC fan power line instead like Airdale did (I think).
This is the fan I used:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...=&item=270067795041&rd=1,1
It's a 16" Procomp fan. It is so nice! Very quiet, fast, moves a LOT more air than my old 16" Empire fan bought from Autozone. It makes my old fan look like a joke. My old fan was way louder and moved way less air. This fan is SLICK. I don't remember what my old fan was rated but this new one is supposed to be rated 2700 CFM.
I love how with the SPAL controller, the fan is on LOW speed all the time. Low speed is enough to keep the engine cool no problem. BUT once you turn on the AC, the fan kicks into high and really moves a lot of air, so your AC will blow nice and cold!
While I was in there I re-wired the signal wires that go to the OEM temp sensor and sending unit for the temp gauge, because the wires had gotten all cooked from heat or something over the years, and they were in pretty bad shape. These Kias don't have great wiring it seems to die an early death so I like to keep my eyes out for potential electrical problems and replace stuff when it gets brittle and falling apart.
Anyway, just wanted to let you know, this SPAL fan controller is really cool, it takes all the annoying variables out of the job... All you need is to plug into your existing power, ignition, AC and temp signals, you don't have to go buy a thermostat and relay and connectors and other junk, it even comes with the wire you need and connectors and stuff. It's a good kit.
If I ever put an electric fan onto another vehicle that had a clutch fan (which I'm sure I will do to my pickup truck) I will definitely use the SPAL controller again.
P.S. - I knew my old fan was wearing out because it started to blow fuses every once in a while, then pretty soon it would blow the fuse immediately. Well, I never realized how bad things were, it was kinda scary when I pulled off the old fan, I could barely turn the fan blades with my hands, and the wire harness was all melted like crazy. That fan must have been pulling a lot of amps before it died because it would work for a couple hours then blow the 30 amp fuse, and I would put in a new 30 amp fuse to keep the fan going while in traffic so I didn't overheat getting home! LOL... Anyways the fan lasted 5 years I guess, but it seems like it should have lasted longer, but you know what they say, you buy cheap you buy twice!
