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Windstar electric fans

I didn't install the diodes,switch, or indicator lights as shown in the diagram.



I used a separate relay powered from ignition power that turns on the indicator light when I flip the switch OFF.
The diagram shows how to wire an indicator light that tells you the fans are ON. I didn't want to look at a light all the time, I wanted to know if they are tuned OFF.


I used a double pull double throw on-off-on switch. This prevents backfeeding power.

The switch is hooked up to 2 separate power sources.

IIRC Lunitic had an issue with his fans back feeding power to the LED indicator lights and that's why he added the diodes shown in the diagram. Fordum or Lunitic can explain that WAY better than me.
 
Thanks.
I got some ideas from some of the things you did in the Beast build.
 
I'm looking to do this fan install soon so I started calling some junkyards to check availability. Apparently living in jersey does quadruple the cost of everything and I found a fan for 75 bucks. A far cry from the 15 and 25 dollar fans I saw others get them for. Anyway I saw new ones on eBay for 80 with free shipping. Anyone know if these are the same quality as the ones out of the van itself. I figured for almost the same price I would rather have a new one if they are just as good.
 
The ones I saw on eBay that were inexpensive were clearly a different unit - fits in the same space but never promised to perform the same. The Ford units are known to be reliable, high powered and have a good ratio of airflow to current draw. Plus you will be able to find replacements in junkyards for years to come.

The good news is that there are usually plenty of used Ford ones on eBay as well. From the research I did the exact part number doesn't matter. All of the the double fan (1 larger than the other) from a Windstar are basically good candidates. Some have a 2-speed, but I don't know how to tell unless you can see that there are more than 2 contacts in the connector. Try to find one pulled in boneyard bonehead fashion - where they cut the harness instead of just unplugging the connectors. This saves the time and money of finding connectors.
 
I know the windstar fans are more popular, but I used a Lincoln continental 18" fan. You do need a high amp relay though.
ri5bls.jpg
 
Sure, that fan is nice, but I'm digging the fabrication on your shock hoops. That's raw?

I guess my point above applies to factory parts vs. aftermarket (especially cheap ones) and not just Windstar fans. The factory part has been designed for all temperature extremes, moisture, salt, etc. and has been validated to prove that it meets those requirements. That expensive testing (and resulting redesign) is only possible when you amortize over huge quantities. Aftermarket stuff has no such requirements and you pay the price of smaller quantities produced.
 
I love it when somebody posts a pic and we change the conversation to something in the background of said pic.
Dual optimas are sweet!:waytogo:
 
I got distracted by the shock hoops and didn't even notice the batteries.:haha: That is one sweet setup under that hood.
 
Thanks for the comments
PB ive been watching your vids and
would love to come down south some
time and wheel with you guys!
 
Code:
waybad1 said:
Thanks for the comments
PB ive been watching your vids and
would love to come down south some
time and wheel with you guys!
Click to expand...

You are more than welcome. Anytime I go on a run I post it up in the "going wheeling soon?" thread in the pacific region.

I'm thinking about going to Hammers in Johnson valley on 4-28-12 if you want to go...
 
If anyone is still following this threat, I gave in and installed the windstar fans on my brothers 87 blazer and on my 1990 blazer and they are working great. I am using the 2 circuit coolant switch (BMW). One fan comes on around 190, the other, which is hasn't been needed, at around 210. The only thing bugging me is the pigtail connector for the coolant switch.....I CAN'T FIND IT!!!!!!!!!!!! I made it work using some butt connectors, but would really like to have the proper pigtail for it. Does anyone know where i can find this pigtail, junk yards around here dont really have beemers laying around.
 
I can check the yards around here for a BMer switch. I'll let you know if I see one.



I didn't use a temp switch. I hooked it up to a DPDT 3 way switch.

I just keep an eye on the temp and if it gets too hot I flip the switch. I haven't had any problems yet.
 
Thanks for the offer to look around, I have since found one at the junk yard and also found a website that sells them but in a two parts; the plastic connector 2.99, then the wire pigtails 3.50 - 6.99 each. I thought was kind of steep for a connector. I only paid 1.00 for the pigtail and sensor. Either way there is always a way.
 
Picked up my Windstar fans today! Donor was a 1997 and found out there is a size difference from the 95-98 and 99+ vans the 99+ are smaller :doah:

Got mine for $32 Test fitted it today and surprised at how nice they fit, Time to make some mounting tabs and onto the the electrical. :eek1:
 
The BMW coolant switch controls both, and at them temps? Where did you get that, I would really want to use that.
 
So whats this about a BMW coolant switch? What year and model? Where should i mount the switch at. This is awesome if it really kicks the fans on at seperate temps.

Thanks
 
If you know who makes the connectors that BMW uses, you could probably check mouser for the connector body and terminals.

I'm finding that is FAR cheaper than buying the connectors with pigtails (if you can find them) through the regular parts channels...you normally do end up paying more for the connector than the sensor/switch itself, when the connector bodies are usually ~$2, and the terminals are ~$.10.
 
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