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Fan Stuff Again...Amplifier Issue And Temporary Remedy

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Old 06-25-2014, 10:10 AM
  #16  
outbackgeorgia
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Not sure where you are getting 19.2 volts. Battery voltage should not exceed 13.6 volts. If you are really getting 19.2 volts, there is a voltage regulator issue that is the root cause of your problems and the final stage will fry again.
Follow up on this as it is not correct. If you really have 19.2 volts to the fan, there is a problem.
Old 06-25-2014, 10:53 AM
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MainePorsche
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Originally Posted by outbackgeorgia
Not sure where you are getting 19.2 volts. Battery voltage should not exceed 13.6 volts. If you are really getting 19.2 volts, there is a voltage regulator issue that is the root cause of your problems and the final stage will fry again.
Follow up on this as it is not correct. If you really have 19.2 volts to the fan, there is a problem.
I did the Function Test Control Signal at the Controller according to the WSM. The instruction was 'ignition on' - didn't specify engine running - I did both for wanted to see AC fan action in operating state too. Yes, I couldn't fathom those numbers either. My alternator output at that moment was 13.9v.

Add: Checked them twice with same result.
Old 06-25-2014, 11:36 AM
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MainePorsche
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Originally Posted by MainePorsche
Guys would the following be an at risk issue for the my car's electrical system ?

My final output amplifier has failed. Only one fan functions. My above testing per the WSM I believe shows this failure to be the case. I had been driving the car for a week with one fan while waiting for my new one to arrive - never got 'hot' except for one time when I purposely made it do so by remaining stationary for a reason. I live in rural Northern Maine - the climate and traffic patterns are not problematic, and my car is exceptionally tuned in all systems.

I was thinking about this until I get a rebuilt amplifier unit.

Disconnecting the fan harnesses and running them off of a direct fused power line through a two stage/speed switch. My one fan now is receiving 19.2v with the engine running - that won't work for me. I have a convenient place in mind for the switch. Actually, I will rarely use it up here. I will do this for a brief period until I have the funding for the amplifier - I have had a recent calamity in my life which has thunderstormed on my parade - will be behind me shortly.

Does anyone see system issues in doing this ?
Please let me know. I don't want to run on one fan with a 19v feed for long.

Thanks
My real concern is in having the fans bypassed from the controller and amplifier circuit (lines to the fans isolated, disconnected, and protected), will there be any effect(s) on the AC circuitry for some components of the AC system are tied into the fan/cooling circuitry ?

Gurus...?
Old 06-25-2014, 11:43 AM
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Alan
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Maybe put a new battery in your DMM and try it all again? You voltage readings are implausible (as Porsche might say).

Alan
Old 06-25-2014, 11:53 AM
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MainePorsche
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Originally Posted by Alan
Maybe put a new battery in your DMM and try it all again? You voltage readings are implausible (as Porsche might say).

Alan
Will do this.
I thought too that those voltages were unfathomable.
How I first noted the new fan didn't function was when I pulled into driveway was was talking to son while idling warm. The fan went on on both my son and I stopped in wonder - the fan sounded like a Cessna like I've never heard it before even when I was on the one same fan due to the other fan mechanical failure.
I wasn't sure if the amplifier 'amplified' through some capacitator or other 'magical' function.

Alan,
What are your thoughts on the temporary bypass ?
Old 06-25-2014, 11:59 AM
  #21  
Kevin in Atlanta
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I have a couple of spares - you are welcome to use one until you have the funds to either replace it new or buy the used one.
Old 06-25-2014, 12:12 PM
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MainePorsche
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Originally Posted by Kevin in Atlanta
I have a couple of spares - you are welcome to use one until you have the funds to either replace it new or buy the used one.
Kevin,

Thanks. I may take you up on a functional used one. I think upgrading the FET's would be helpful on an already functional unit.

Simos Quote:

"Don't remember exactly the aperage of original FET, but it was something like 25 - 30A. The fuse is 30A and therefore the FET may blow first.
I replaced the original with 50A FET and no issues anymore. However, it's important to check first that both fans are spinning freely without any bearing etc. issues.
There are also 70A FETs with same housing size, but first thing is to check that you use correct fuse size and fans are spinning freely.
It's the fuse which should secure the electrical circuit, not any other component. Also the higher amperage FET may stay cooler while operating.

I think, it's the fan starting current which blows the FET as it can be several times higher than nominal current.

Don't trying to engourage anyone to doing same thing, but this is how I see the issue with cooling fan final stage."


Captain Slow Quote :

"Simos....great observation. The original BUZ11A MOSFETs are 50V 26A .045 Ohm Some of the new equivalent replacements are 30A"
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Old 06-25-2014, 12:16 PM
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Craig:

Any chance that you are dealing with a mechanical problem rather than an electrical one. Original fan craps out. Replace with a new unit. New unit craps out.

As I've mentioned numerous times, I hate chasing electrons but is there any chance that your fan motor casing gets slightly distorted on installation thereby causing the bearings/bushings to slightly misalign enough to prevent starting. Just a thought.

Barney
Old 06-25-2014, 12:21 PM
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MainePorsche
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Originally Posted by Bjbpe
Craig:

Any chance that you are dealing with a mechanical problem rather than an electrical one. Original fan craps out. Replace with a new unit. New unit craps out.

As I've mentioned numerous times, I hate chasing electrons but is there any chance that your fan motor casing gets slightly distorted on installation thereby causing the bearings/bushings to slightly misalign enough to prevent starting. Just a thought.

Barney
The motor case is quite thick. The new fan spins freely when flicked by hand. Was running like a champ for a day and a half.
Old 06-25-2014, 01:53 PM
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outbackgeorgia
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Back to 19.2 volts, is this real? Not sure how you could get that number. I would check at the fan connection (will need long probes) with another meter. Borrow an analog meter from someone, calibrate with a known battery source, and compare readings. Need to resolve this first, as you are leading yourself down the wrong path. You may indeed have a bad voltage regulator that is spiking and it could destroy another final stage.
While it is tempting to bypass the system, I ran the entire SITM with one fan. Unless it is really hot outside, you should be OK.
Dave
Old 06-25-2014, 01:59 PM
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How about running a couple of Bosch Power relays to the fans and just use the signal from the fan controller to turn them on?

Or, even easier, just take Kevin up on his offer....very nice, Kevin!
Old 06-25-2014, 02:02 PM
  #27  
GregBBRD
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Regarding the "higher than 13 volts" fan voltage.

I thought that the final stage fan unit was an amplifier?
Old 06-25-2014, 02:40 PM
  #28  
MainePorsche
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Originally Posted by GregBBRD
Regarding the "higher than 13 volts" fan voltage.

I thought that the final stage fan unit was an amplifier?
That's what I thought.
My DVM was OK.
Old 06-25-2014, 02:47 PM
  #29  
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"I thought that the final stage fan unit was an amplifier?"

Good point...most decent consumer grade stereos are using MOSFET controlled amps. There are some good sized capacitors in the final stage controller. I noticed my original final stage doesn't spin the right fan at all. Putting in a used final stage I saw the right fan try to start. Perhaps the capacitors failing can be another reason a fan won't turn. I'm guessing the capacitors deliver a higher voltage and current needed to start the fans??? Makes sense in terms of simple physics - it's like mashing the accelerator to get up to speed (over come inertia when fan is at rest), then nominal system voltage is enough to keep 'em spinning???
Old 06-25-2014, 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Captain_Slow
"I thought that the final stage fan unit was an amplifier?"

Good point...most decent consumer grade stereos are using MOSFET controlled amps. There are some good sized capacitors in the final stage controller. I noticed my original final stage doesn't spin the right fan at all. Putting in a used final stage I saw the right fan try to start. Perhaps the capacitors failing can be another reason a fan won't turn. I'm guessing the capacitors deliver a higher voltage and current needed to start the fans??? Makes sense in terms of simple physics - it's like mashing the accelerator to get up to speed (over come inertia when fan is at rest), then nominal system voltage is enough to keep 'em spinning???
Static vs. kinetic coefficients of friction.


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