Adjustable or programmable fan controller

[PolarBear]

Anyone know of a fan controller that is programmable to lower thresholds than a typical gas engine runs? Most controllers have on temps around 160 degrees and off 180-220 ish, but I am looking to use it in a different way, I want to cycle the grid heater in the diesel kind of like the computer on the 12 valve does, comes on at anything below ~100-130 and off around that temp.

I was thinking I could use a fan controller or coolant switch with a NC relay, so the circuit would be closed when the controller is "off" and the grid heater would be on a timer that would cycle it on an off during warmup, and when the fan controller is above that temp it would open the relay and shut the timer off and stop cycling the heater.

I don't need/want the grid heater to cycle all the way up to ~160 though. Anyone have any idea's? If not I will just use the timer and a momentary switch to cycle it manually when it is really cold.

[WildBillyT]

Can you repurpose something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Tempe.../dp/B00C4TEEF2

[PolarBear]

I hadn't thought of a PID, but I would rather use something a little more ingonito. I was hoping to make it work like a factory application. I had heard of people using a 6.2l GM diesel glow plug controller, but the temperature switch is non-existant now, so it isn't worth trying that.
I have heard of a lot of people don't even need the damn grid heater, but someone has had their dirty d*** beater in this engine, and it doesn't like to start in the cold <50. I have to cycle the key once and let the timer run a second time before it will start, so I would like to have something like factory working. Most people just put a momentary and work it on their own. I have nice little timed relays that I would activate with a momentary so I don't have to sit there with my finger on the button. The dash also already has a "wait" light on it, so I would use that too

[WildBillyT]

I dig the AvE reference

[PolarBear]

Originally Posted by WildBillyT

I dig the AvE reference

I love that guy

[LTb1ow]

Just stash the PID under the dash and wire it into factory harness?

Why the need for a grid heater is my question though, glow plugs don't work well?

[PolarBear]

Originally Posted by LTb1ow

Just stash the PID under the dash and wire it into factory harness?

Why the need for a grid heater is my question though, glow plugs don't work well?

Are those serious Q's/A's?

[unstable bob gable]

If you don't want to hold your finger on the button you should use your thumb.

[LTb1ow]

Originally Posted by PolarBear

Are those serious Q's/A's?

Sort of yes.

At least in dmax world, pre 06 didn't even get grid heaters and they start just fine off glow plugs in the cold. Newer year guys remove the grids cause they block air flow and argue that the grid isn't helpful at getting engine started when cold anyway.

[PolarBear]

Originally Posted by LTb1ow

Sort of yes.

Alrighty then. 12v Cummins has no glow plugs, hence why I thought it was a question. This 12v is destined to go in my 69 Suburban, and there is no "factory" harness and almost no room under/behind the dash and I don't want to have to look at a PID.

[PolarBear]

Originally Posted by unstable bob gable

If you don't want to hold your finger on the button you should use your thumb.

Any part of my dirty d*** beaters

[The_Bishop]

You know, you can always wash them and save your eyesight.

[LTb1ow]

Originally Posted by PolarBear

Alrighty then. 12v Cummins has no glow plugs, hence why I thought it was a question. This 12v is destined to go in my 69 Suburban, and there is no "factory" harness and almost no room under/behind the dash and I don't want to have to look at a PID.

Ah, yea, 12v stuff is not known to me.

[PolarBear]

Originally Posted by The_Bishop

You know, you can always wash them and save your eyesight.

I know your mother said you'll go blind, but you can stop before you completely lose your eyesight.

[The_Bishop]

LOL