Well, both of my controllers failed; as far as I know, at the same time. But it's possible one went first and I didn't notice. Anyhow, I limped home with my A/C on which forced my one secondary fan to be on. The temp on feature failed on both controllers. SO I did some research and came up with a solution that I feel will be far more reliable.

I search out what summit racing had to offer and chose to go with a Dakota Digital PAC-2000 controller, Dakota Digital sending unit and Dakota Digital Double Relay. I'll retain the fans that came in the kit for now.

Dakota Digital PAC-2000:
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...prod/prd43.htm

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...t=DAK-PAC-2000



Dakota Digital Sending Unit:
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd111.htm

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku


Dakota Digital Dual Relay:
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...prod/prd84.htm

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku






OKAY so, this set-up will give me all of the features and options of the Troyer controller set-up, but it's 100% digitally controlled; the controller even gives you an LCD screen which will tell you the various on/off temps that YOU get to program. If you want it on at 300 degrees and off at 150... you get to make it do that, and it's much easier. Only downside here is the sensor required is a hard-mount type sensor; requires you to have a screw in hole to mount it. I'm going to pull the thermostat housing and have a bung welded in at the local welding shop. So here I have a controller with a two year warranty which is easier to set-up, more accurate and given the rep of Dakota Digital... going to be much more reliable.

I'll add more when the parts come in and I start the install. I'll also be building new mounting brackets for the fans.


Oh yeah, total cost for controller set-up minus the bung: $131.45
A dual fan with shroud can be had for $200... you still come out ahead if you build it yourself with top shelf components! Live and learn!

 

Alright so it took a little longer than expected for all the parts to arrive. And like a moron I ordered an awfully large sending unit. So I had to order a smaller sending unit.

Anyhow, Hopefully tomorrow I'll pull the truck in the garage and remove the thermostat housing; I'll take it in and have a bung welded on for the temp sensor. Now I'm looking for some advise...

With the temp sensor installed in the T-Stat housing (reading the coolant temp flow out of the engine)... I'm looking for some advise on on/off temps for my two fans. If I'm not mistaken the T-stat is a 195 degree unit from the factory (and I am running the factory t-stat). So what I'll be reading is the temp of the coolant coming out of the engine... which SHOULD be 195 degrees provided the cooling system is functioning correctly.

So what I'm thinking is, have my primary fan turn on at 205 degrees and off at 193 (coolant flow SHOULD stop around 195 +/-) Secondary fan turn on at 210 and off at 195.

OR

Should I just go with the temp settings that the Troyer e-fans originally advised ? (keep in mind that the original fan kit had radiator probes that went in the fins and read basically radiant temp where as this unit will read actual coolant temp... but it is unlikely to see temps very far below 195 as the coolant in this area will be static when the t-stat is closed; unlike the radiator probe where the coolant will continue to lose temp as air flows through the radiator.)

I'd really appreciate every one's thoughts and maybe some examples of similar set-ups and what they've found to work. Thanks!!

 

I would use the Troyer numbers for starters and monitor the fan cycles and engine temperature. If they are staying on too long then adjust upwards. If they are keeping the engine too cold then also adjust upwards.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

I would just use manufacturer recommend temps from Ford since you're reading actual coolant temp. Here you have the chance to be precise, unlike with the rad probe.

Why did you have to get the sending unit? The description for the controller says it "works with your existing sending unit and gauges." I'm new to all this so I'm trying to learn. Does the F-150 not use a sending unit as stock?

 

Sorry for the delay in responding!!

I needed to get the sending unit because they are referring to aftermarket gauges; the controller has the ability to be set to a specific type of aftermarket sending unit/gauge. There is also the option to custom program the parameters for the sending unit, which would allow you to use the OEM temp sensor. However, to do this you must have a test gauge that will give you accurate temp reading (unlike the dash gauge that just shows a range). For me to get a test gauge to match the OEM sensor so I can program the controller would cost me more than the temp sensor, bung and $10 to have it welded. So this is just the easiest route to go. Unfortunately, I'm down at ft benning for a school right now so I've not yet been able to install the set-up. I'll post pictures when I do.

I think I'm going to run with the settings troyer had and adjust as needed.

 

Nate,
I, like you, have Troyer fans and after about 7 months the secondary
fan controller would only work when the a/c was on. I called Troyer and they sent me a new one for free. However, I now have doubts about reliability. I'm not sure which way I'm going to go. I like the e-fans, but I want to be more assured of having them there when I need them ( I live in Arizona). I'm trying to decide whether to sell them and go with a Mark viii fan and DC controller or do something like you're doing. Please let us know how it all works out.

The King (Bob)

 

The fans in the kit are quite reliable. I've had my kit since 2002 and I had to replace one of the controllers a few years back. I have had them coated in mud and they have been washed off more times than I can remember. For peace of mind I have two manual switches. Even if you don't, in a pinch you can make a jumper wire to short out the controller to power the fans. Just pull the controller relay and short the #30 terminal to the #87 and the fan will turn on. How is the other controller holding up?

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

JMC,

So far the other controller is fine, but perhaps I should clarify what I meant by my reliability concerns. I really am not too worried about the fans themselves. It's the controllers that concern me. Please also realize that I'm not trying to slam Troyer Performance in any way. On the contrary, they have been excellent in dealing with me and any issues or questions that I may have had. It's just that I have read so many negative imputs here about controller failures that it makes me wonder. Hopefully, I am making a mountain out of a molehill. But I do thank you for your response, it makes me feel a little better.

Bob

 

I understand your concern. Having the cooling system fail in any way is not a happy thing. You can always rely on the Fail safe cooling on your 03.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Jean,

It would appear that you stay up late too.

Bob:

 

if it wasn't for evening naps getting up in the morning would be very difficult.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Jean,

Man, you got that right!!! By the way, what temp did you set your fans at, and did you use a scanner or point and shoot thermometer ? I used a point and shoot and it was a bear. Still not sure I got it right.

Bob

 

I calibrated mine with the Scan Gauge II reading.

 

Alright well, I'm home from Ft Benning... I'm going to start the install of the new controller set-up this week. I'll be sure to post pictures.

 

Sweet, i just found this post, and am looking forward to the pics