What is a good kit to buy for my E-fan? I would like it to have an automatic on/off via thermostat, and a back up switch in case something goes wrong.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

I also have an electric fuel pump that needs a relay or does it?

What are relays for anyway?

 

Hi,
I'll offer my 5 cents......
First, there is a "ton" out there if you simply "Google" automotive relays.
However to answer your question, they act as a heavy duty switch when called upon to connect an electrical device that consumes heavy(ier) AMPs. Examples, include, horns, electric fans, lighting systems, electric motors (starter motors) etc. A popular example for their use is to take the "load" off of the headlight switches in our early mustangs. The HD light switch is a known weak link in our lighting circuit, in that, they get a lot of use and the contacts corrode due to the high(er) AMPS required by the lighting system. So, in a nutshell, the are designed to take the "brunt" of the power consumed by a, electrical device. Another benefit, once installed, our OEM type HD lights are brighter! The power ( think of direct battery power) to run the HD lights
is connected directed to on of the terminals (30) on the relay. A simple 12V (trigger) is connected to either terminals 85 or 86 on the relay, with terminal 87 connecting to the HD wiring. Which ever terminal (85 or 86) is usually grounded. Some folks choose to split the HD lights between HI and LO beams, in a further effort to reduce loads.
Other's may jump in and correct me, and not a problem as my memory ain't the sharpest knife in my holster.
Happy Motoring.....

 

Here is how I wired my own circuits using relays for:
Cooling System: http://chris66dad.tripod.com/id39.html
Driving Lights http://chris66dad.tripod.com/id31.html
Auxiliary electrical circuits: http://chris66dad.tripod.com/id42.html
Headlights: http://chris66dad.tripod.com/id15.html

Sometimes a picture helps

 

Thank you!

 

Will I be okay without relays for a short amount of time? Fuel pump and E-fan only.

 

Hi,
If you mean not adding a relay to the fuel pump and E fan, out of the two, I would add the relay for the fan. It's the more crucial of the two.
Also, it's quite easy to add a thermal coolant switch to power-on the fan on at a prescribed temp. It should be wired through a switched 12v supply. This will cut the fan off with the engine. If you connect the fan to full 12v supply the fan will continue will run to run after you turn off the engine. In which case you need to add a "timer" switch to cut the power to the fan after so many minutes.
Hope this doesn't cause a lot of confusion. Just wanted to add the "what-ifs" and "whys".
Good Luck!

 

Relays are a "must have" in order to preserve reliability and function. Relays help control the flow of power when you want/need it. By using them you can use main power to power your item.

Check this link. I used the same principal for both my fan and elect pump on my 65.

http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/...fuel-pump.html

 

Hi,
Relays are very beneficial when current draw (AMPs) are high. Example would be headlights, electric fans, horns. I'm not an expert, by any degree, but, I see these as being in the forefront. AMPs consumed...ask the question?
Happy Motoring!

 

One thing I did was run a wire from just past the inline fuse to my fan back into the cabin to a panel with lights so I would always know when it was on. I never had an issue with the thermostat but the fuse would wiggle loose now and then.

https://mustangforums.com/forum/clas...ml#post8040953