Opinions on PWM fan controllers
 

I bought the SPAL twin 11" fan setup and their controller, a few years ago and the controller has died according to tech support and there is no replacement option from them.

So I'm looking for a PWM fan controller, preferably with the thread in style sensor. I like DCcontrols but it seems he only does probe style sensors.

Anyone have any experience with the flex-a-lite or painless controllers?


Can the Entropy PWM fan controller be used as a stand alone setup?

Thanks,

Mason

May not be directly applicable, I have a 2 speed controller, but I used a probe style (that is suppose to be shoved into the radiator fins) with a drilled out compression fitting. You can get an appropriate size compression fitting and drill it out so the prob can pass through and make good contact with the fluid. Swagelok sells pre-drilled fittings, but you can make your own pretty easy.

Good luck.

Thanks, who makes your controller? I'd like to look into that

This is the one I have. I have been using it for 3 years with no issues, but it has poor reviews now.

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/hda-...UJDhoCDWnw_wcB

Might take a look at this company. I have not used them - but their product seems pretty "robust" and they have various types of sensors if you just ask.

Having said that --- I wish CarlC -- AKA mister VAPORWORKS would produce a robust PWM system for us!!



http://www.autocoolguy.com

Or this one from PAINLESS.....


Here's their page - as they make several for various applications:



http://www.painlessperformance.com/webcatalog/fan5

Correct me if I'm wrong and things have changed since I purchased about 3 years ago but my Vaporworx controller is made by DC Controls. DC Controls also makes a nice PWM controller, one of if not the first PWM aftermarket unit to the market that I can recall. I've installed 4 of them over the years on friends cars and none have ever had an issue.

However, as the OP mentioned, he wants a thread-in style probe and DC only makes them with a dry-style probe for direct fin contact. While I'd also prefer a thread in wet-probe for cosmetics in reality DC's dry fin contact probe works *extremely* well and the unit is very accurate and repeatable. I'll let the fin-probe slide because the rest of the unit works fantastic.

Check out the new Derale PWM fan controller. I can attest to the robustness of the design and function ;-)

It has a screw in option for the sensor as well.

What can also be done with excellent results is to take the DC Controls press-in sensor, remove the covering, and epoxy it into a fitting. On the Camaro an old temperature sensor was gutted so only the brass housing remained. The sensor was then potted into the sensor body. A 3" pigtail/plug was added to make installation easier. Has worked flawlessly. The sensor is small enough to fit in quite small NPT fittings as well.

Carl, are you using the Derale 16795 controller? http://derale.com/products/electric-...n-probe-detail Are you using one controller for 2 fans and AC or more than one controller. Thanks for any info.

I have an older DCC version in the Camaro. It drives a Mark VIII single fan and no AC.

If memory serves the Derale part has an AC override function and can drive multiple fans at the same time.