How do I make radiator fans start at a lower temp?

[Lil bastard]

And... cleaning the radiators out on a regular basis!

Cheers!

[ALarracuente]

Thanks to all for the comments.

IMHO, i do not think the DME has that much control or temperament as to know whether the fans are on or of. It just turns em on. I suspect this because I forgot to hook one of them one day DME did not turn on the CEL or anything. I had it like that for at least 2 days, plenty of time for the DME to notice I guess. Also, a friend of mine had one of his fans not working and the DME did not tell him nuthin'. He just noticed an increase in operating temp. We checked each side and noticed that one of the sides was not turning on...

For sure, the last thing I need is to 'piss off' the DME (or damage it in the process). Can anybody else give their opinion on this?

Thanks,
Fred

[Lucky]

The DME doesn't know (or care) if the fan is already running. All it does is monitor temps and energize a fan relay when its logic says coolant temp exceeds a programmed threshold.

You have two ways to attack this:

1) the aforementioned hardwired switch -- although I would suggest you not run the full amperage through the switch and instead have your switch control the fan relay (the same one the DME is energizing), or

2) use an adjustable temperature switch to control the fan relay -- this way it is automatic.

Or an even easier approach is to simply run your AC when it is hot. This keeps both you and your engine cooler, since the AC condenser is mounted in front of the passenger side radiator and that side's cooling fan runs continuously while the AC is on. I find this drops the indicated temp on the dash gauge by about 5-10 degrees on a hot day (from just right of the "0" in 180 to the middle-right of the "8").

Of course, YMMV.