Re: Radiator Fan Motor: Thanks

[DeWitt Harrison <de@aztek-eng.com>]

On Fri, 24 Apr 1998 17:21:32 -0400, RDH wrote:

>>   My decision:
>>   7 blade upgrade from The Parts Connection - $167 w/tax delivered.  And
>>   Al Powell and I were earlier discussing the fuse thing.  I am going to
>>   put a 60 amp fuse on the ground side of the fan motor wires.
>
>You should put the fuse on the "+" side, as close to the power *source*
>as possible.

Sorry to beat this to death. I just thought a recap would be in order. In
the type 44 cars, the positive supply to the fan consists of 3 separate
circuits which connect the fan speed resistor pack to the fan via a
combination of fan relays for cooling  levels 1, 2 and 3. These circuits
are not fused at the fuse panel which now houses only the low speed
relay. In sum, it is not convenient to fuse the positive side whereas
fusing the negative side is simple as dirt. I highly recommend the Audi
designed fuse block and bracket listed here and elsewhere. It is a
simple, clean and effective conversion that Audi instituted by 1991
and possibly 1990. The fuse is 80A and it will blow before any of the
wires melt when the fan motor seizes. It would be a good idea to
spray a little anti corrosion stuff on the fuse since it simply consists
of an aluminum strap calibrated to melt at the indicated current. The
factory fuse block is covered but is not weather/water tight. And
why not carry a spare? They're cheap.

DeWitt Harrison
Boulder, CO
88 5kcstq