the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
icon

capacitor for electric fan?


Post ReplyPost New Topic
< Prev Topic Next Topic >
handyguy7 
Copper - Posts: 55
Copper spacespace
Joined: August 09, 2009
Posted: November 20, 2012 at 10:28 AM / IP Logged  
My car has a large (OE) electric fan. Works well - is in excellent shape, but I notice that when it kicks on, its quite a draw (the OE relay is 40-50A) and you can feel the load on the car's system, idle, lights, etc.
Perhaps this is a retahded idea, but would a capacitor like guys use for amps/subs help here?
Thanks in advance.
i am an idiot 
Platinum - Posts: 13,667
Platinum spaceThis member consistently provides reliable informationspace
Joined: September 21, 2006
Location: Louisiana, United States
Posted: November 20, 2012 at 2:27 PM / IP Logged  
They do not help on amplifiers, and they will not help your fan issue.
oldspark 
Gold - Posts: 4,913
Gold spacespace
Joined: November 03, 2008
Location: Australia
Posted: November 20, 2012 at 7:25 PM / IP Logged  
A cap does not reduce the current flow of a load. Nor will another battery (which is the superior solution to the cap for audio guys.)
If you feel the load, it's because it's drawing huge Amps.
A 50A load takes over 1HP from the engine which can often be felt at idle, hence why most vehicles increase their idle RPM with aircons on, or turn off the compressor at idle.
I doubt that the engine is struggling due to low alternator output at idle (ie, a voltage drop, and the battery supplies the vehicle) because - except for points and old electronic ignitions - engine spark is usually voltage independent and should be fine down to ~8 or 9 volts as with most vehicle electrics and electronics.   
But an alternator that does put out the required fan plus other load Amperage at idle doesn't overcome the "engine strain" at idle, in fact it will be worse (since the alternator supplies the load and not the battery).
Caps are sometimes used for motors because of their impact on voltage readings, But those caps are usually small & placed at the (digital) voltmeter, not at the motors (heater fans, wipers, etc).
howie ll 
Pot Metal - Posts: 16,466
Pot Metal spacespace
Joined: January 09, 2007
Location: United Kingdom
Posted: November 21, 2012 at 1:22 AM / IP Logged  
Since this is all OEM stuff, unless there's a specific problem related to many of your vehicles because of this current draw that you know about I wouldn't let it worry you.
ALL of these cooling fans have huge onrush current draws and by now all car manufacturers know about it.
handyguy7 
Copper - Posts: 55
Copper spacespace
Joined: August 09, 2009
Posted: November 21, 2012 at 10:13 PM / IP Logged  
Thanks for the inputs. I'm not losing sleep over it....was just a curiosity thing. The radiator is huge so the fan doesn't run that much anyways.....just at idle when you really feel it.
Thanks again.
capacitor for electric fan? -- posted image.
oldspark 
Gold - Posts: 4,913
Gold spacespace
Joined: November 03, 2008
Location: Australia
Posted: November 22, 2012 at 12:27 AM / IP Logged  
Some mount 2 smaller fans with the option of running one or both.
Also mounting closer to where the engine outlet enters the radiator else higher means greater cooling.

Sorry, you can NOT post a reply.
This topic is closed.

  Printable version Printable version Post ReplyPost New Topic
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

  •  
Search the12volt.com
Follow the12volt.com Follow the12volt.com on Facebook
Friday, April 19, 2024 • Copyright © 1999-2024 the12volt.com, All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy & Use of Cookies
Disclaimer: *All information on this site ( the12volt.com ) is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular use. Any user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and use of this information. Please verify all wire colors and diagrams before applying any information.

Secured by Sectigo
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
Support the12volt.com
Top
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer