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Topic: Hydraulic fan controller (Read 1549 times) previous topic - next topic

Hydraulic fan controller

There had been a lot of discussion about the possible benefits of changing out the OEM S-D electronic fan controller for the mechanical wax ring option.  I don't recall if anyone posted this info, but it addresses a lot of the questions, some of which have been PM'ed to me.  If you click on the first one, it should come up or you may get a bar at the bottom of your screen to click on.  It gives the sales pitch for why you should make the conversion.  We did it and are pretty satisfied so far.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #1
Noticeable difference.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob & Susan
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #2
Sven, are these manufactured by them or are they using a time proven valve that is currently in production by someone else? What was the cost of the kit?
Scott
Scott and Kim Davidson
If you're going to be dumb, you got to be tough.
DEGOIWKY
Don't ever get old, it will kill you
June 30, 2020
2001 U320 3610 Barn find
Build 5834

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #3
Sven, are these manufactured by them or are they using a time proven valve that is currently in production by someone else? What was the cost of the kit?
Scott
On my unit the following is printed:  Dynamatic Limited UK , type  553109857210, Made in Swindon England. along with a date code.  I bought the valve at Source Engineering in Eugene and they referred me to Brian Schack RV Repair up the road in Junction City, OR.  The valve cost $725 and the installation was $311.  I was told that this conversion required an experienced mechanic/welder and Schack was the only one they could recommend.
It was not a cheap conversion, but I've been told by others on this forum that I would get my money back in fuel savings.
 
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #4
Same basic part that came on our 97.  Different temp settings
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob & Susan
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #5
White House products 211 pounds 270$ us
Thanks Scott
Scott and Kim Davidson
If you're going to be dumb, you got to be tough.
DEGOIWKY
Don't ever get old, it will kill you
June 30, 2020
2001 U320 3610 Barn find
Build 5834

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #6
Same basic part that came on our 97.  Different temp settings
What are your settings? This one is full on at 199 deg.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #7
Were was 185 full on.  Thermostat is 180 to 200
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob & Susan
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #8
White House products 211 pounds 270$ us
Thanks Scott
Interesting. PN 553/1/09857 is the one I bought. The Dynamatic spec sheet list that number as calibrated to 93C (199.4F); same as the one craneman has.
Greg & Cathy
2000 U320 4010 DGFE Build #5650
Had: 1999 Tradewinds 7370

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #9
Would be interesting to see spec sheets for various units with temp curves from closed to full open. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #10
Interesting. PN 553/1/09857 is the one I bought. The Dynamatic spec sheet list that number as calibrated to 93C (199.4F); same as the one craneman has.
I was referring to the part number Sven listed. I still have the original electronic.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #11
I was referring to the part number Sven listed. I still have the original electronic.
Sorry, I misread your post.  O:)
Greg & Cathy
2000 U320 4010 DGFE Build #5650
Had: 1999 Tradewinds 7370

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #12
Could someone post pictures were the valve was installed. Both original and kit position would be useful. May vary location, but would like to see what others have done. I'm going to order a valve from the UK manufacturer to use on my coach in the coming weeks. Probably take couple of weeks to ship. Last trip was 4300 miles with fans at 100%.
Scott
Scott and Kim Davidson
If you're going to be dumb, you got to be tough.
DEGOIWKY
Don't ever get old, it will kill you
June 30, 2020
2001 U320 3610 Barn find
Build 5834

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #13
Be aware the Sourch Engineering Kit has five (5) items, all of which you will need to install the control.  If you order the control unit only, you will need to source the other 4 items.

I recommend the Source Engineering Kit and will purchase one soon as they have stock again.

Scott, the control is installed into the metal tube carrying engine coolant to the top of the engine as seen in the picture in post 1 from Source Engineering.  A bung is welded onto the tube and a hole drilled into the tube and the control threaded into the bung.  The existing hoses are lengthen with the kit supplied hoses and connected.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #14
Here's a photo of my U320 fan controller in the center of the photo.  It is welded to the pipe that goes into the upper Vibraflex (bulging) hose  at the rear of the radiator.  The smaller, more vertical hose (leading to the upper left corner of photo) with green line attaches to the bottom of the coolant reservoir.  The large pipe in the foreground goes to the CAC.  Hope that helps to pin point it.

2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #15
Okay, is this were Foretravel originally installed them? Rudy for $1000 I'll can source the bung and correct hoses without adding cheater hoses. I'd rather see the money go to you for upcoming aqua hot consultation and repairs. May have to work a deal with you. I'm currently thinking inboard of the frame support strap below my coaches current fuel filter may be more convenient, directly forward of the current controller.
Scott
Scott and Kim Davidson
If you're going to be dumb, you got to be tough.
DEGOIWKY
Don't ever get old, it will kill you
June 30, 2020
2001 U320 3610 Barn find
Build 5834

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #16
The location I mounted ours did not require new hoses, or extensions. I bought the wax capsule on ebay, and machined the bung from an inexpensive stock ORB fitting. (I couldn't find a bung for sale)

Greg
Greg & Cathy
2000 U320 4010 DGFE Build #5650
Had: 1999 Tradewinds 7370

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #17
Greg, very nice installation. I think you have the direction I'll be following.
Scott
Scott and Kim Davidson
If you're going to be dumb, you got to be tough.
DEGOIWKY
Don't ever get old, it will kill you
June 30, 2020
2001 U320 3610 Barn find
Build 5834

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #18
Thanks, Scott. IMO, the best benefit of having it there is that it's a snap to get at for the low speed adjustment, should I need to do that.
Greg & Cathy
2000 U320 4010 DGFE Build #5650
Had: 1999 Tradewinds 7370

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #19
MisterEd,  I second the "very nice installatiion".  I do not have the equipment and ability to machine a bung.  So Bravo to you Sir.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #20
MisterEd,  I second the "very nice installatiion".  I do not have the equipment and ability to machine a bung.  So Bravo to you Sir.
But you do have many people you have helped over the years willing too help out if you need something. Possibly more powerful than tools and skills? I learned 40 years ago about the sprayed aluminum coating on these waterlines. Still interesting but probably easier to powdercoat. MisterEd I can't imagine the hours of cleaning and painting you have done on your coach, looks like you own a new coach. Very nice.
Scott
Scott and Kim Davidson
If you're going to be dumb, you got to be tough.
DEGOIWKY
Don't ever get old, it will kill you
June 30, 2020
2001 U320 3610 Barn find
Build 5834

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #21
....MisterEd I can't imagine the hours of cleaning and painting you have done on your coach, looks like you own a new coach.
I was thinking the same thing.  Picture was just a small section of the engine bay, but looks very, very clean and pristine!
40ft 1997 U320

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #22
Thanks, Scott. IMO, the best benefit of having it there is that it's a snap to get at for the low speed adjustment, should I need to do that.

Can you post the Product number on the wax valve and explain the Low speed adjustment? I used a needle valve and adjusted it to slow the flow for low speed so thinking maybe I can remove that portion..

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #23
Okay, is this were Foretravel originally installed them? Rudy for $1000 I'll can source the bung and correct hoses without adding cheater hoses. I'd rather see the money go to you for upcoming aqua hot consultation and repairs. May have to work a deal with you. I'm currently thinking inboard of the frame support strap below my coaches current fuel filter may be more convenient, directly forward of the current controller.
Scott
That is where mine is, as shown on my photo.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Hydraulic fan controller

Reply #24
Can you post the Product number on the wax valve and explain the Low speed adjustment? I used a needle valve and adjusted it to slow the flow for low speed so thinking maybe I can remove that portion..
Part number I used is 553109857190. To adjust cold fan speed, with the engine OFF, you remove the #17 silver cap, beneath it is a hex socket adjuster screw #12. Turning it in (clockwise) should reduce flow, increasing cold fan speed. CCW should reduce cold fan speed. The attached drawing was originally posted by Chris. The explanation of the adjuster was a bit vague. I determined it's function by studying the sectional drawing. My conclusion assumes the adjuster has right hand threads. Note that this adjuster will have NO effect on closing temperature, unless it was turned in to the point of the valve never going into bypass. That would negate the reason for having the controller.  ;)

NOTE: Put the cap back on after making adjustments (in small increments) or the bypass oil will flow out of the hole, making a mess, or worse?

Greg
Greg & Cathy
2000 U320 4010 DGFE Build #5650
Had: 1999 Tradewinds 7370