Thermo fan thermostat

[07cob]

All

I have just started my 20000km/3yr rebuild and am looking for some better ideas on how to install the thermostat for my thermo fan. It is the typical unit with the thin tube that needs to be installed into the cooling system.



The current installation is as per instructions with the small tube being wedged into the end of a radiator hose. While this has worked well and hasn't leaked thus far, I would prefer a better method of installation.

Has anyone done something better for this?

Cheers


Geof

[sambo]

Geof, is this for an adjustable thermostat or the signal to the ECU?

[rms427]

I use the type that has a relay, thermoswitch and circuit breaker. The thermoswitch has a 3/8 inch NPT that screws into the intake manifold water jacket. This makes for a cleaner set up. Here in the US several companies sell it. At Summit racing there Electric Fan Thermostat Kit is about $46. The thermoswitch has a fixed on off. You can get it with various temperature ranges.

The original fan switch on my car had a thermoswitch that screwed into the bottom of the radiator overflow tank and did not have a relay. It just acted as a switch to ground when it got to a certain temperature and then opened up as the temperature came down. Very similar to the above but without the relay. I replaced it once but then couldn't find a replacement when it failed the second time. As I remember it was sourced from a 65 or 66 Ford or Mercury.

[Philm]

I have used Digital Fan Controll that Sideswhow supplies in Karens Mustang.

Highly recomended works fantastic easliy adjusted neat installation.

http://www.sideshowsperformancewirin...?categoryid=22

Phil

[stephen low]

Geof

I had the same but with my rebuild an new ali radiator has gone in and it has a mounting thread point for a standard auto temp switch. This overcomes the potential leak issue with the thermostat slid inside a radiator tube.

I also run an override switch on the dash and can manually activate the fan at any time with the ignition on (i think).

[Dimi]

Hi Geof
I run a Boss 260 in my GT40 and on the heads there is a hot water outlet pipe that comes from each head and goes to the thermostat housing.

I silver soldered a short length of copper tube to the side of one of these pipes and slid the sensing tube into that.

It picks up the heat coming out of the motor and can be adjusted via the adjusting pot to switch on at whatever temp you require.

The advantage is it still works extremely well and doesn't compromise the integrity of the cooling system and is easily removeable for servicing/replacement.

It can also be fitted to the radiator in the same manner near the hot water inlet to the radiator if this is more convenient.

Dimi

[Merv and Sharon]

What else is planned Geof?

[Rick Parker]

Is that a rectal thermometer?

Seroiusly: Use a thermo fan switch like the OEM's do, install it in a tapered threaded hole in the intake manifold or solder or weld a bung into one of the radiator tanks, similar to the photo below. RH lower tank

[IMG][/IMG]

[07cob]

Gents

Many thanks - some good ideas here. I will have a look at the Summit/Sideshow kits for the controller. I suspect that will be the way to go. I would like to keep the adjustability.

Paul, this is the adjustable thermostat for the cooling fan. The ECU temp sender is in the inlet manifold.

Dimi, did the tube you soldered actually penetrate the cooking system? This sounds like a very simple solution!

Stephen - the override switch is definately on the list of upgrades!

Merv, much the same as you but I have the engine out so will do the rear main seal and fix a leak in the gearbox. I will post details later.

Thanks again to all.

Geof

[Dimi]

Hi Geof

No , the tube is soldered along the outside of the pipe.

As stated before it can be fitted to the pipe or to the radiator wherever suitable and allows the use of the adjustable control with no intrusion into the cooling system.

I have had this system on my 40 for 3 years and on previous 4wd cars that have had V8 conversions with no problems.

Dimi

[sideshow]

I don't have those fan kits any more as I was selling 2 a year
and now I'm cutting down on keeping parts in stock till I move
so once I move I'll only keep parts for cars I work on
and start restocking once I am making
enough money to support keeping stuff in stock
that's unless I end up working for someone where I don't have
to deal with customers hehehehehe
anyway summit probably sell rebadged Dakota digital ones
so goto Dakotas website and find adjustable temp fan controllers

[Zedn]

I was at supercheap the other day and happend to notice they sell an inline fitting that has radiator hose fittings on each end. You just cut it in.

Inline Radiator Hose Temperature Sensor Adapter 3/8 NPT | eBay

Jaycar sell kits for adjustable temp switch.

[sideshow]

the inline radiator fittings can be a pain
means 2 extra places for water to leak
plus u have to stuff around if u fit a single wire temp fan switch
as the single wire sensors earth thru the thread so if u use an inline hose block then u need to find a way to earth the piece out

goto tridon website and search for thermo fan switch
there is about 30 to choose from

[*Cobber*]

I have also used on of these PWM controllers on a friends car which just picks up the signal from your gages, it is programmable and varies the fan speed depending on water temp. No messing around drilling and tapping for sensors.

FAN-PWM

SPAL USA