RE: [DML] Fan Fix

[<rob@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dale,

I've been mulling over replying to this since Wednesday because I don't wish
to start a flame or offend anybody but I feel you've touched on a potential
safety issue so I'm going to offer my opinion on the subject. I am very
familiar with the Fan Fail link wire solution as it pertains to the
DeLorean. The factory meant for it to be a temporary fix and NOT a solution
to the cooling fan circuit problems it was experiencing at the time. The
subsequent addition of in line fuses is also a temporary fix. If you run a
fused link wire it should be inspected at least every spring, in northern
climates, for signs of heat damage. In hotter environments it should be
inspected after every three months of air conditioner use and replaced every
few years. The link wire solution is not up to the loads placed on it for
extended periods.  I've personally replaced many partially melted and heat
damaged link wires before they led to fires but know of at least several
people who weren't so lucky. I could give you a first hand example but will
save it for a later day should it become necessary. "Fanzilla" and "The
little grey box" (as it is currently called for lack of a catchier name) are
both vastly superior to this stop-gap solution. 

Any "Fan Fix" that incorporates an ATC style fuse-link as part of a
permanent solution is fatally flawed and needs frequent inspections to
insure safe continued use. Additionally if this ATC link is combined with a
relay setup that occasionally sticks on when the engine is off it is
potentially a recipe for disaster. I don't want to hear about somebody
losing their car, house, or life knowing that my knowledge of this potential
could have helped them avoid it. There...I said it...now I can sleep at
night! Call it sour grapes or business rivalry or what ever you want. I
previously mentioned this to the responsible party in private to no avail so
my conscience led me to post this.  Again I have no desire to start a
"flame" but people should be made aware of the possibilities as these
"Fix's" start to reach the end of their usable service life. This is an IMHO
but a strongly felt one.

Sincerely,

Rob Grady

P.J.Grady Inc.

-----Original Message-----
From: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
funkstuf
Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 12:39 AM
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [DML] Fan Fix

Regarding my Fan Fix problem.
Initially I had a Fan Fix from SpecialT.  It did fail, and I knew 
this because only one fan was kicking on and no fuses were blown.  
It had not been on the car very long.
At that time, I did receive a replacement without charge.
When I got the new fix, the fans would occassionally stick on and I 
would unplug them.  As I mentioned, in the latest problem the fans 
did stay on, and the fuse housing on the fan fix melted but did not 
blow the fuse.  I do not at this point actually know if the fan fix 
is the reason they stuck on though it appears to be.  My goal at 
this point is to actually find out what happened rather than just 
get money or new product.
Currently, I've replaced the fan fix with the Delorean Motor Co. 
jumper that has 2 fuses along with adding back the cooling fan relay.
Now I'll drive it for awhile this summer and find out if the fans 
run alright.  I'm happy to announce that they cycled very nicely 
today, and kept the car cool even when I let it sit and idle in 90 
degree weather.  Fingers Crossed.

Dale Funk
4984 (the driver with the fan problem)
941 (the turbo rehab project nearing completion Did I say nearing 
completion?)




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