After market fan killing battery

[levix]

On my 73, I've got an aftermarket flex-a-lite fan (http://www.sportcompactonly.com/manuals/Brand/Flex-a-Lite/180-54996-RAD.pdf) installed and it keeps me running nice and cool. I have it ignition controlled so it won't run after I turn the car off as that kills the battery--not sure if that's normal (would be great if it didn't), but it's not really a huge deal.

What is an issue is that if I ever fail to start the car on the first try, my battery doesn't have enough juice left to get the car started.

I'm going to get a manual switch, but I'm wondering if there a way to wire the fan or setup a relay so that this doesn't happen?

[oldcarnut]

I'm kinda wondering about your battery and alternator condition.  Have you had them tested and checked for operation output?  If your charging system checks out ok,  maybe you can look into installing a thermostat temp switch relay on the radiator that turns the fan on/off at a temp you set so you only need it when it starts running warm.  I did this on my Coronet but I also used the stock fan. The link didn't work for me so I don't know if your using this as the only fan or an extra. The problem running a manual switch is remembering to manually turn it on/off each time especially if someone else may drive your car.  It just seems to me that unless you have a lot of excess draw on your elctrical system, radio, a/c etc, that the battery dying so quick wouldn't be just the fans fault.

[levix]

Interesting. Well thats good to know. Its a new 100amp alt, and Im only running 1 fan. I dont have any accessories per se, and I just replaced all the engine and dash wiring harnesses. Im gonna try a new battery I think. But the fan should not be killing the battery correct?

[Cooter]

Still got the stock Chrysler alt.? What's the amps like? 50-60 amp? When that fan is on, try looking at your amp gauge. Does it read almost all the way over to "C"?


How old is your battery? Did you buy it from some place like SAMS club/Wally world/Auto Zone/ Advance Auto Parts? If so, you got HALF the battery you thought you bought.

[levix]

Well replaced the battery with an optima red top tonight and my issues have gone away. I left the fan on for several minutes and it was fine. I did get my old battery tested, and the readout (CCA, voltage, etc) all were in a good range. But I'm with you Cooter, pretty sure I had half the battery I thought I did before.