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Thermostatically controlled and hydraulically driven cooling fan

Yahoo Message Number: 64041
John and Grayle Blecker, 2004 Country Coach #6909 - 51942 CAT Engine C-9

Upon leaving for a trip during warm weather and pulling our heavy boat, about an hour down the road the engine started heating up and finally de-rated itself and stopped on a hill. Upon investigating, I realized the fan motor was not coming on as it usally does when motor gets warm as it will on inclines.
After checking with our local CAT dealer in San Diego (Hawthorne CAT), they suggested we bring it back to them and they would disconnect/unplug the fan at the radiator. They said this would allow the fan to continually run--be in the "on position" and would allow us to proceed on our trip which included going across the desert. This might take slightly more fuel as the fan would drain some of the power, but we were at least able to go on our planned trip. We just recently returned from trip and have not had an opportunity to have this checked as we need to get the front door lock fixed first. Needless to say, we appreciate what the CAT dealer did for us and will certainly be returning to them for repairs.
Has anyone else experienced this problem and if so what did it entail to repair. We have a CAT C-9 engine in our 2004 CC Inspire 360.

Thermostatically controlled and hydraulically driven cooling fan

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64048
OK, here's the scoop since we are experiencing the same problem . . . exactly.
First of all, it does not need to be unplugged (very inconvenient crawling under a hot coach), rather use the 7.5 amp fuse just below the driver in the compartment (#84 in mine). You do not want the engine running too cool so you have to play the plug/unplug when driving along. If you are handy electrically, you can wire it so you can switch it on and off manually in the driver's seat.
Second, the bloody things are made in England (go figure . . . ) and have to be programmed at a CAT dealer who has the equipment. I was told it would be rare for any RV dealer hold the 6 figure instrument needed to flash this item. Maybe not, but do expect 6-8 week delivery after you order. Yep, it takes that long. We could not find a unit in the US and had to order. We are still waiting.

Lon

Inspire '06

Re: Thermostatically controlled and hydraulically driven cooling fan

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64049
Thanks for this entry, Lon. We have an 06 Inspire, and I'm thinking it might be good to order this and have it on hand. Would you mind telling us what you ordered and from where?

Thanks again.

Mike Frederick
06 Inspire 51784

Re: Thermostatically controlled and hydraulically driven cooling fan

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64056
Do not let anyone charge you to program the controller. It comes already programmed from the mfg.
It comes in two parts- the valve and the controller. I bought mine for $405 plus shipping from a dealer in Atlanta.
Anyone can install the controller.
The dealer is somewhere in the archieves.

Jw

06 inspire 51544

Re: Thermostatically controlled and hydraulically driven cooling fan

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64059
John,

We live in san diego and the same thing happen to us. We took it to our mechanic temporarily unpluged the unit so it would owrk continuously. When we returned our mechanic installed a switch in the dash that turns the fan on and off. This allows me to turn on the fan in anticipation of a steep hill or whatever. I went to hawthorn in the past. I would find out what they are going to charge you before I gave the coach to them.
I also think it would be appropriate to ask other CC owners who have gone to Hawthorne for their opinion on the dealer.

Stan 2005 Inspire Cat - 9

Re: Thermostatically controlled and hydraulically driven cooling fan

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64061
Mike,

The device is a Sauer Danfoss FDCA which controls the fan speed. They are programmed by the factory and are ordered by part number. My FDCA was located on the back of the cooling fan shroud. You should be able to find the part number on the device. The install is fairly simple for a shade tree mechanic.
I got mine for about $435from Berendsen Fluid Power in Atlanta. Below is the link to find a
location.http://www.bfpna.com/locations/locationInfo.asp?country=USA
Good luck.

George in Birmingham
'04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Thermostatically controlled and hydraulically driven cooling fan

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64062
George,

I'm Mary, Mike's wife, writing for him as we're driving the motor home through a lot of construction areas in Tulsa, OK, at the moment. He says thanks a lot! He'll check out his FDCA as soon as he can. And since I'm writing, I have to say that I love a wonderful way with words, and your phrase, "Shade tree mechanic," is must super! Thanks for the smiles from that too.

Mary and Mike
06 Inspire 51784

Re: Thermostatically controlled and hydraulically driven cooling fan

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64070
Hi, Ken here a Retired Cat Engine/Power system tech. Thanks for sharing this! In my days we wore many hats and fixed anything!Glad your repair worked out great! Lots of Folks dont relize Cat Custom builds power systems and if we could not fix it we then would build whatever was needed for Safe Repair. Except for larger diesel engines in newer CC's the CC engine Install ar better then most. Before I retired I had many co-workers see our ISC and they liked the Piping intake and Exhaust builds. Sad to hear on newer CC's corners were cut like PTO/s and Radiator's.Our older coach has the Wax Fan controller so no Electrical problems on the cooling fan. Bob Lee to me built a fine coach. I have worked on many other brands and CC's are about the best! Thats why I own one. Ken 99 Allure 30356 Hope you Tipped the Tech. too. He has a Wife and Kids to support!
 

Re: Thermostatically controlled and hydraulically driven cooling fan

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 64080
Mike and Mary,

Welcome to the construction zone of Tulsa! This is where Tia (my wife) and I live and are spending are 28 anniversary. Hope your not heading down 412 as It's about as bad a road as you would wand to drive on. Drive Safe! Kevin Burns

00 Affinity 5865