Electric fan relay setup

[Baba Ganoush]

'66 mustang
Late model 306 roller motor
Aluminum heads and intake
Carbureted


It's been awhile since I've installed one so I had a quick question.

When setting the point I want my fan to turn on with the thermostatic relay, where should I measure the temperature?

I have a laser thermometer thingy, should I test the thermostat housing? Or what? Also, with a 180 thermostat, what temp would you guys recommend for the fan to kick on?

I'm pretty sure the motor likes to stay between 180-210. Just wondering how you guys would set it up, and where to get the best temp reading. The old factory gauge isn't the most accurate so I want to be sure.

[FoxBodyNick]

probably tap into the thermostat housing. you will get an accurate reading there rather than having a probe in the radiator like some do. id probably turn my fans on at 170-180 degrees. Idk if your asking about where to install an AM gauge or not but if you are its on the driver side of the lower intake manifold. has 1 elbow wire slid of a screw connected to the sensor. just pull that out and install your gauge there. if thats not what you were asking then disregard. lol

[Baba Ganoush]

Yeah I've got the gauge hooked up, I'm just looking to accurately measure the engine temp with my infrared thermometer. Then, with that reading, set the relays' correct time to trigger my fan. It all works, just trying to set it up correctly and not have the fan kick on too early.

[shumpertdavid]

Probably turn on around 190 - 195, the engine will usually run 10 - 20 degrees warmer than thermostat temp. My regal has a 160, I turn the fan on at 180, you don't want it set so low that it runs constantly. I try to adjust them to a temp above the thermostata full open temp

[Reefer Rae]

On at 215 off at 190 probe in the t-stat housing.

[Lason]

I always set mine to come on at 185ish. It will run most of the time but I dont mind. I wouldnt worry about using the infared gun, just watch the temp gauge and use it. It doesnt have to be exact by any stretch.

[Baba Ganoush]

Well the '66 gauge seems to almost peg right as the thermostat opens, so I wanted to be sure I'm setting it right without depending on the gauge. After the fan kicks on, the gauge drops to the 3/4 mark, so all seems well. You're right, I don't want it to run constantly so I'll do as y'all suggested and have it come on when I see about 185-190 at the t-stat housing with my thermometer.

Thanks all!