The conversion had a "baptism of fire" today with the temperature reaching 43.6 degrees C just as I was driving home. That's the official temp recorded by the weather station about 2km from where I work- it's the highest temp recorded in 5yrs.
Comparing the monitored ECU temp sensor voltage the engine was running significantly cooler than the 41 degree day I mentioned a week or so back with the viscous fan
. Even on the long hill I go up (with the A/C on) the voltage only dropped (lower = hotter coolant) to the same voltage as it did with the viscous fan on the 41 degree day. At the traffic lights the electric fans are a clear winner, my only concern is the alternator/ battery keeping up (voltage drops to 12.4V)
I've also got a gap either side of the fans that needs sealing (approx 20mm either side) which will improve their performance even further. So, I'm happy to say that the electric conversion seems very successful from a coolant temp point of view.
Some other points:
- the engine has noticeably more power off the lights on extremely hot days
- the engine runs whisper quiet, it's amazing how quiet it is now (especially when first started.) Even my father inlaw commented how he could hardly hear it now.
- on the way to work this morning (23 degrees C) the fans only came on once briefly for around 10 seconds on low speed. Basically it appears if you're moving then the fans aren't needed for these conditions.
- I'm hopeful of decent economy gains, but will have to wait and see.
