View Full Version : Radiator Fan Connector Question
NYMike
05-18-2021, 07:08 PM
I posted about this on our build thread but figured I'd put the question out here as well and see if anyone has answers. Has anyone had an issue with the fan connector on the RF harness not fitting the Factory Five fan connector? We tried to plug ours in over the weekend and it didn't really want to go together. I could probably force it in, but it would probably never come back out. Before I get to that point, has anyone seen this issue? It seems like the connectors are very similar but the locking design looks different. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148030&d=1621381527
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148031&d=1621381527
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148032&d=1621381527
nucjd19
05-18-2021, 07:17 PM
I had the same problem. Not sure if it is correct but I ground down the male connector a bit so it would fit into the female connector
edwardb
05-18-2021, 08:24 PM
Don't recall any RF harness I've used having a connector for the cooling fan. Must be something new. Let alone be the right length to plug in given the multiple paths possible for the front harness. I've always used a 2-pin Weatherpack style connector for the cooling fan.
phileas_fogg
05-19-2021, 06:43 AM
That's the same connector that was on my RF harness provided with my kit in 2015. But like edwardb I replaced it with a 2-pin Weatherpak.
If you replace that connector, be advised that most Weatherpak connectors are only rated to 20A, & the fan fuse in the RF fuse box is 30A. Unless you replace the 30A fuse with 20A or less, your connector becomes the fuse. Fortunately, the current draw on the Maradyne fan provided in my kit is ~18A peak.
John
I also used a Weatherpak connector for the fan.
ggunter
05-19-2021, 08:01 AM
Everybody has pretty much the same issue, just grind the male plug to fit. I would have liked to change it over to weather pack but I don't think the Weather Pack pins will take the amperage over the long term. That fan draws a bit of amperage.
That's the same connector that was on my RF harness provided with my kit in 2015. But like edwardb I replaced it with a 2-pin Weatherpak.
If you replace that connector, be advised that most Weatherpak connectors are only rated to 20A, & the fan fuse in the RF fuse box is 30A. Unless you replace the 30A fuse with 20A or less, your connector becomes the fuse. Fortunately, the current draw on the Maradyne fan provided in my kit is ~18A peak.
John
Everybody has pretty much the same issue, just grind the male plug to fit. I would have liked to change it over to weather pack but I don't think the Weather Pack pins will take the amperage over the long term. That fan draws a bit of amperage.
I left the 30Amp fuse in the fuse panel and assume since the fan draws less than 20Amps, it should be fine. Even at that, the ratings are usually a little conservative, so the Weatherpak can likely handle a bit more than the rating by 5-10%. I know a lot of people have used them for the fan and there hasn't been an issue that I'm aware of. Metri-Pack 280 series connectors are rated to 30Amps.
NYMike
05-19-2021, 11:56 AM
Thanks guys! Glad it’s not just us. A waterproof connection is probably a good idea up there anyway. Ordered a 30A connector from the series Dave suggested and will give it a shot.
edwardb
05-19-2021, 06:56 PM
The last three kits I've had Factory Five supplied a DCM/Texdyne, IP68, 14 in diameter, pull fan, "S" blade. Rated at 12 VDC, 160W, 1467 CFM, max draw 8.7 amps. I've measured it and it does pull a few more amps than that right at startup (normal) but settles down into the 8-9 amp range while running. A standard Weatherpack works just fine. I've used them on every build and never had an issue.
BrewCityCobra
05-19-2021, 09:49 PM
The last three kits I've had Factory Five supplied a DCM/Texdyne, IP68, 14 in diameter, pull fan, "S" blade. Rated at 12 VDC, 160W, 1467 CFM, max draw 8.7 amps. I've measured it and it does pull a few more amps than that right at startup (normal) but settles down into the 8-9 amp range while running. A standard Weatherpack works just fine. I've used them on every build and never had an issue.
Do you change out the fuse to 20A as well then or just keep the 30 in place?
edwardb
05-20-2021, 05:06 AM
Do you change out the fuse to 20A as well then or just keep the 30 in place?
To be honest, left the stock fuses. Couple of those builds were Coyote and the fan is powered by the Coyote PDB which is even higher amperage circuit. In hindsight, probably should have changed them. Certainly doesn't hurt anything.
NYMike
05-25-2021, 08:40 PM
Ended up ordering a connector set from the series Dave suggested. Rated for 30A and comes as a complete set. Super easy to install and definitely worth the change. Thanks for the help everyone!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BMVZ94M?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148490&d=1621992520