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computer fans
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:38 pm
by les
Can someone tell me the voltage of computer fans, and the possibility of using them on a vehicle. I notice they are very slim and would fit well in a confined space
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:45 pm
by alanworland
I believe 'most' of them operate from 12v, but they are not very powerfull are they?
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:45 pm
by d_harris
Assuming you mean chassis fan? Think they are 12v. I'll nip upstairs and see if I can find out
Edit: Confirmed as 12v 0.14A DC

Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:51 pm
by les
Well that's a start, thought it might be possible to make a housing up to hold say 3. Kenlows thinnest fan is 60mm, I need the depth to be no more than 40mm.
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:57 pm
by alanworland
Are you going to have a bank or panel of these? Not sure if they will like the 'enviroment'
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:57 pm
by d_harris
you would need a serious array of fans if you are using them for rad cooling....
As a pure guess a 10x10 array might do the job....
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 9:00 pm
by les
Yes maybe, was wondering if I was barking up the wrong tree!
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 9:19 pm
by eastona
I thought about this when I was running my Midget. Same thoughts really, PC fans probably don't like salt and road dirt. It was more for underbonnet ventilation, to move (very) hot air out from under the bonnet. I guess supercharged Minors have the same problem.
Maybe a bilge blower from a boat would do? wouldn't have much problem with the environment and moves a fair bit of air.
shouldn't think any of them would shift enough for a rad though.
Andrew
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 9:24 pm
by nigelr2000
RS components do a large selection of fans you might find something suitable there and they are very quick to deliver, I ordered some transistors at 19:45 at night and got them next day !!! no P&P charge and the order was only 8 quid including VAT.
see here
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 9:25 pm
by les
Thanks for the replies.
Well if anyone knows of a slim radiator fan (40mm or less depth) please let me know!
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 9:35 pm
by alanworland
I know it's tight, but I did manage to fit my Kenlowe if front of the rad, see pic.

Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:10 pm
by les
I'm looking to fit one on a Mini, between the rad and inner wing.
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:28 pm
by bmcecosse
I have to ask - why ??? When Rover added an electric fan to the Mini - they fitted under the wheel arch - after the radiator.
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:54 pm
by PSL184
Yes, if you look at late Mini's there is not much of an inner wing passenger side - Just a big hole for the cooling fan.....
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 2:35 pm
by les
This is an early s and it would be nice to avoid cutting the inner wing.
Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:40 am
by dp
I used three 80mm pc fans on the back of my oil cooler spliced to come on with the electric radiator fan. They've lasted a few years no problem. i got them out of the bargain bucket in Maplins and only when wired up realised they were blingtastic case mod versions with blue LEDs. Could very easily have been unknowingly driving around with my front grill flashing like a disco. Anyhow if you know someone in IT support with old PCs lying around you should be able to get them fairly easily
or
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/138590
I'm also planning on using some of these fans to make a lightweight heater - just a cheap matrix from Ebay in an aluminium box with these fans pushing warm air to the windows only. Much less space taken up but not very original. (Seen the idea on another car forum but can't find it now)
Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:05 pm
by Kevin
les wrote:This is an early s and it would be nice to avoid cutting the inner wing.
Hi Les have you looked at Pacet fan's as I am sure they do a thinner profile range.
And I can understand why you dont want to alter the S.
Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:43 pm
by les
Thanks again all. some food for thought here! Pacet fans, will do a search.
Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 9:45 pm
by M25VAN
Also Davies Craig do a slimline range but 'still' 50mm thick.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SPITFIRE-HERALD-V ... 5d2695143c