Hey all,

I installed a Flex-a-Lite FLX-210 in my 1998 4Runner and it was working great until battery acid destroyed the control unit with the sensor tube. I contacted Flex-a-Lite and they promptly sent me a new control unit (thanks FaL!!). However, before I go tearing off my radiator hose and installing this new unit... I started thinking of alternative solutions.

I don't like the sensor bulb setup and how it goes in the lower radiator tube. I think it's kind of cheesy and can get wrecked easily. I'd like to ditch the control box and use something else.

Has anyone had any luck with using some sort of temperature switch, possibly mounted on engine block or on radiator fin? I'm thinking something simple like a two-way/on-off switch only. I have yet to find one for automotive uses, so I was just curious if anyone has used a different set-up.

Thanks!!

 

You might want to look into Hayden's controllers or give FAL a call im sure they have other controller for other models than can also be used on the flx-210.

 

Are you talking about using something like this:

This is the aftermarket variety that I am currently using. It turns my fans on at 200°F and off at 175°F. There are bunches of usable thermostatic switches out there. Just about every FWD car ever made uses one of these to control at least one of its fans. Only a matter of finding one with the appropriate temperature range and threads. For that, I'd look no further than other Toyota models; a Camry is probably a good donor. Wiring can be as simple as you want it (or need it) to be but I'd wire the fan directly off the battery through a relay and fuse and use one of these to control the relay. The Bosche-style 30A relays work quite well for this. I have a manual override wired into mine but it isn't necessarily needed.

 

Yeah Toy283, that's exactly the type of thing I'm looking for. Thanks for posting it! I guess I just haven't found anything like this around. Does Radio Shack or something similar sell these, or only at the dealerships? Anyone know of websites or stores where I can browse different types of these switches.

Toy283, did you mount this switch into the block or somewhere else?

Thanks guys!!

 

Mine is mounted in the intake manifold at the water outlet (small-block Chev). You're gonna want to put it somewhere in the warm area of coolant flow (the head or near the thermostat) but exactly where I cannot say as I don't know what engine you have. Just about any auto parts store will have these but I'd check with NAPA or similar. They're most likely to have actual catalogs where they can look up the specs. Like I said in the first post, I'd start by looking for fan switches for FWD Toyota models such a Camry and go from there. They're the ones most likely to have the right threads and operating temperatures.

 

Another option is something like this:

Derale p/n 16749, $39.75 @ Summit Racing.
Only problem here is that this particular one uses NPT threads on the sender which will then have to be adapted to the metric threads on your engine.

 

I have pieces ready to install to do what I described here:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...356#post394447

Basically, it's an adjustable digital controller. The board I bought needed some work, and I wouldn't recommend that people walk this path (it's more "blingability" than "durability") but it's an option.

 

When my controller chokes Ill be getting one of these.

http://www.dccontrol.com/index.htm

here is thier home page its informative.
http://www.dccontrol.com/index.htm

It just regulates the speed constantly instead of having it blast on at full tilt then shut off constantly.

 

Ganoid,

I like the general theory behind this application - makes plenty of sense to me. Have you gotten around to getting one of these yet? Or has anyone on yotatech gotten one installed yet? Just curious to see how easy/well they work.

thanks

 

Nope I sure havent. I had some other problems that Im fixing now.

 

Heebz---I bought this one: http://store.summitracing.com/defaul....asp&x=47&y=13 It uses a probe inserted in the radiator fins. It was easy to install and it has the wire for the AC clutch as well. Works well for me. I'm using it on the 18" PermaCool fan in my webshots link in my sig.

Dave

 

AWESOME!!! I think I'm about to do a Taurus Fan Swap and this will be PERFECT for it. Also, that means I can get a single-speed fan and not have it cycle on and off all the time...

THANKS!

 

Better to revive than start a new one, right???

TRDOLMAN - Any chance you got a write up anywhere on that permacool fan Install?? I really like Bamachem's Volvo S80 fan install, but the permacool does look awfully clean and no shroud cutting....let me know...