Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Fan controller follow up. (Read 592 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Fan controller follow up.

Yahoo Message Number: 77023
As earlier posted I'm having temp issues.
I'm on the move and time is limited. I've contacted my service folks but I'm yet to get a response about parts. (I reported the issue to Cummins Coach Care in Kansas City while having a service there recently. They replaced a thermostat. But when I mentioned the fan controller they were of the opinion that it was no real big issue and I wouldn't have any issues if it failed. They confirmed the HP and extra fuel use).
So my question is - If I keep driving and the temp stays around the 180 mark rather than the 190 mark. And if the controller fails. Will I be doing any damage? I know that I'll be using more fuel and HP but apart from that what are the issues that I may encounter? I'll be travelling in the SE for the next few months.
I have a very limited time to use our motorhome and I don't want to spend 5-6 weeks sitting while a part is delivered.

Regards

Bruce 2001 Intrigue #11278.

Re: Fan controller follow up.

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77024
The only issue I have would be Aluminum radiator failure from the continuous deformation of the radiator caused by the fan running at high speed. I should have just had the controller replaced at my first chance instead of waiting for a diagnosis and then driving further the next 6 weeks waiting for the thing to arrive. Seems none were available coast to coast. TWI 2004 Intriguie 11731.

Re: Fan controller follow up.

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77025
You should be okay to drive, but the effect long term might cause excessive wear on all components involved.
Just go ahead and get the part. Then when you are sitting in a park for a day or two have someone replace it. If you are mechanically inclined or can find a decent mechanic to come by, it's really only a 1-2 hour job and not something that will dump coolant all over the place.

Rob

2002 Intrigue #11480

Re: Fan controller follow up.

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77026
Bruce

When I was having an issue with intermittent over heating in San Diego a few years back the service manager at the factory told me to pull the pin on the controller and this would put the fan into high and just drive it up to the factory in Junction City for what that is worth. The guys at Colton Truck Terminal seconded that thought. You will experience a drop in fuel mileage.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348

Re: Fan controller follow up.

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77028
I had some of the same problems you all hav had, I installed a switch from the controller hot feed and if the temp goes very high, I just throw the switch and the fan goes to hi, and when it come back down, I swich back. This has worked for me for 3 years, I changed out my controller and temp input, and all is well.

Charlie Z

2002 Magna
6162

Re: Fan controller follow up.

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77036
Bruce:

A little background with your patience. I am now on my third controller. At 130,000 plus miles it seems to be about par. Most failures are as a result of the air sensor becoming inoperative. According to A top Country Coach mechanic many years ago, if the air sensor is bad for an excessive period of time it wipes out the controller.

The typical signs of it having failed are max fan speed and steady temperatures around 180 degrees.

The temp will not harm the engine but the fuel economy reduces often more than 1 mile to the gallon.
It also probably creates more ware on the hydraulic fan motor.
The fan controller has 2 components. The hydraulic part and the electronic = part. They can be purchased separately.
If you are going to do any of this yourself contact a Sauer-Danfoss dealer.
To change the electronics part is a few minuet job. To change the entire un= it is not pleasant and involves disconnecting the hydraulic lines and after you are done you will want to try to get back at the idiot who determined = the mounting location and method.
From my perspective I do not find any problem with the fluctuating temperatures you described.
I am very happy to observe temps ranging from 180 to 195. It signifies the sensors are doing their job turning the fan speed up and cool the radiator. When it did not work it stayed near 180 degrees all the time and I got about 7 MPG or less.
Three things do this to the fan: hot water, hot air, and in some cases the = air conditioner.
It is in my opinion unreasonable to expect the temperature to be held at some magical perfect temperature because of Sauer-Danfoss. By the way if you are judging engine temps by the dash gauge provided by Country Coach it is a mistake. It needs to come from the engine controller via Silver Leaf or other accurate means.
I have made an assumption that you have a Cummins 350. I can't speak to Caterpillar but they are probably similar.
If I can be of any additional help please contact me at 410-666-2094.
I have made the decision to remove the air line where the sensor is and relocate it from the bottom of the pipe to the side.

James M. Green Intrigue 11021 "Rollingghetto"

Re: Fan controller follow up.

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77042
Bruce , if your temps are in the 180 range, your controller has already failed. It won't hurt anything to keep driving with those temps. I drove mine for quite a few miles before I could get it changed. I saw no difference in the mileage, 8.5 with a bad controller and 8.5 with a good controller. Been there done that.

Don

'02 Intrigue #11427
'02 Intrigue #11427

Re: Fan controller follow up.

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77047
Thanks everyone for the feedback. We're travelling from Dallas to Savanah and back over a 4 month period. Being from Australia our time is precious and would prefer not to sit somewhere for 6 weeks while we wait for a part. I have organised a service centre to order the part. If it's there in time, good. If not they can do the work when we get back. I only drive 100-150 miles most days and never travel when it's hot. So all being well a few lost gallons and a drop in HP wont worry me too much.

Regards
Bruce

2001 Intrigue #11278
 

Re: Fan controller follow up.

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77201
BRUCE, I had the same problem. I first put an air sensor on, then a water temperature sensor, then ended up putting a fan controller on, everything is OK. I did not have to wait long for my fan controller , ordered it one day and had it 21 hours later on my front step ready to install. I purchased it from Tim at Specialty Coach Parts in Eugene, OR. He carried lots of Country Coach parts and is very pleasant to work with. His number is 541-515-6651. Yours is probably the same as mine, being your coach is a 2001 Intrigue. Good luck in finding your part.

Ray Bentsen

2000 Intrigue Cummins ISC 350
#11098