Ferrari Mailing List: Re: 512 radiators

[Peter Rychel (dino308gt4]

This is well-documented on Ferrarichat and other forums. The TR series, 328s/Mondials and other later cars used printed circuit boards to house fuse and relays in one neat location... As you and many others found, over time, it's just not substantial enough to handle these heavy loads.

In my quest to update my fuse boxes in the 308 (avoiding Birdman's glass-tube style, as I don't really like the appearance and lack of plastic covers), I came across a modular system offered from Littelfuse which I think could be developed to replace the printed circuit boards.

You can get OEM boards. I'm not sure if they're NOS or repro, but here's an example from Italian supplier, Auto Ricambi D'Epoca:

http://www.autoepoca.it/portfolio/fuserelay-board-assembly-testarossa-124089/

The Littelfuse system I mentioned is kind-of like a set of Lego blocks; you pick the fuse and relay blocks and then interlock them into whatever assembly you want. It is meant for commercial vehicle and other custom vehicle applications, but I don't see why it couldn't be used to replace original fuse boxes.

Keep in mind, I DON'T OWN A TR YET! I have no idea if there is enough clearance to allow such an assembly to be installed in the stock location (in the front storage area, behind the spare tire I believe?...). Nor, am I aware if someone does offer an upgrade kit, or rebuilds original boards. Download the Littelfuse catalog here (PDF file):

http://www.littelfuse.com/~/media/commercial-vehicle/datasheets/automotive-fuse-holders/powr-blok-modules-datasheet.pdf

I came up with something trick for my 308 GT4. I have yet to install it permanently but initial testing seems to work well (using modern, ATC style fuses). Not the above-mentioned POWR-BLOK modules, but another type (from Hella).

When it comes down to it, I'm sure fresh electrical connectors and corrosion-preventative compound/grease will help any original set-up (to a certain extent).

I'm glad to hear cLyDe your rads are in and everything is in tip-top shape.

Peter

---

From: Ferrari <ferrari-bounces+dino308gt4=hotmail.com [at] ferrarilist.com> on behalf of clyde romero <clyderomerof4 [at] gmail.com>
Sent: November 3, 2016 7:03 PM
To: PeterGT4
Cc: The FerrariList
Subject: [Ferrari] 512 radiators

 

Ok its done

But here is the rest of the story

It wasn’t the fans

When I installed new fans one did not work

It was the fuse box that had burned a wire to the fan  and caused that fan to not work, even when I checked the continuity of the circuit

If you own a TR or a 512 TR you need to do the relay in line set up on your fans and air-conditioner at the fuse box

The condenser fans are a 25 amp draw as well which caused the same issue

The pin connector into the fuse box for the a/c was severely burned as well

I had severe heat damage where the  pins inserted to the fuse box and luckily got out alive

It didn’t not destroy the fuse box which in now longer available

The fans are 25 AMP draw at start up and put an enormous load on that fuse box with regards to heat.

The fuse box pins cannot take the heat

You need to install relays in line

Now the new radiators are great

They are aluminum and lighter and cool down substantiality faster than the stock units

Fans stay on 30 sec cool down the car and turn off

Something that never happened in the past

In any case those of you who have a TR or a 512 need to do the relay installation or you will eventually have a major problem in your fuse box

I was lucky

If any of you have questions email me

I imagine this is the same issues that a 355 or 348 or any Ferrari that utilizes fans to cool radiators since the symptoms are the same with regards to the fuse box

I have pictures for those who want them to show them of the burnt pins from the excessive draw that the fans and A/C draw

Bottom line is that this will happen to you, if it hasn’t happened to you already and you just don’t know it

If one of your fans dies don’t replace the fan

Check the pins into the fuse box and I can guarantee you it will be a pin failure

 

Clyde with the new radiators and relays

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLYDE

 

In victory you deserve Champagne

In defeat you need it!

   

 

 

Scars are tattoos with better stories!

 

Clyde Romero

Clyderomerof4 [at] gmail.com        

678  6419932

 

Confidentiality Notice:  This e-mail ( including attachments ) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U. S. C., Sections 2510-2521, and is intended only for the persons or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain confidential or privileged material.  Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, dissemination, copying, forwarding or distribution is prohibited.

 

 

Virus-free. www.avast.com