Radiator Fan Thermostat

[Neil-yaj396]

Neil

If still no joy - and you're confident the wiring is correct - I might have a spare in my garage at Cranwell.  Just let me know if you need it. 

As you say... fingers crossed!

Chris

Thanks Chris, did you get my PM about the trophy?

[betabuoy]

Neil
Yes. Got your mail and I thought I'd replied. I'll check again.
Chris

[Neil-yaj396]

Stuck in a traffic jam on the way home today in the blistering heat. Fan clicking on and off nicely, so hopefully this saga is at an end now.

What is alarming is when the fan comes on now (about half way on the temperature gauge), as compared to the old sensor (near the red, if it felt like it!).

[betabuoy]

Neil
Halfway is exactly how it should be but I do like the idea of Theo's mod whereby he's put a switch in the top hose and set it to a cooler level. I'm giving that mod some thought as I don't like the anxiety of seeing the needle even go so far as half way.
Chris

[rossocorsa]

I don't think it's desirable to run too cool, my preferred option has always been a manual override so if you are in a slow queue you always have the option to switch the fans on early.

[Neil-yaj396]

I don't think it's desirable to run too cool, my preferred option has always been a manual override so if you are in a slow queue you always have the option to switch the fans on early.

Don't quite understand this one Alan. Not desirable to run cool, but switch the fans on early?

[rossocorsa]

Yeah my brain not functioning properly it was late! My reasoning for liking the manual override is that it allows some extra control without putting extra pressure on the fan all the time. If there is obviously a long slow queue a manual switch gives the option to engage the fan early on you own judgement, otherwise you can stick with the normal cycle.

[Neil-yaj396]

After going through three thermostats in as many years (admittedly the first one had probably lasted 34 years) I decided to bite the bullet and fit this aftermarket unit.

The original Kenlowe version as fitted by Theo to his Trevi does not seem to be available any more. This one was inexpensive (£19.99) and I do have some concerns about it's durability, but it was easy to fit, seems to work well and has a very wide range of adjustment. I've set it to come on with the gauge at dead centre, which equates to 95 degrees on the dial.

I don't like fitting non OE parts, but it seems to me that the original units are possibly deteriorating with age? Fortunately, as reported before, the last two failed in the 'on' position.

[capriblu]

Have been doing some work on my car which has necessitated removal of radiator so have decided to get thermoswitch functionality back.  For several years have run on manual switch only running through separate relay but would feel happier knowing that there is a back up if I forget to look!  Will still keep manual switch as optional override to bring fan on earlier if desired (i.e. as per Rossocorsa's  suggestion).  Given manual override option then would prefer to keep thermoswitch at original settings which from my recollection activates at a temperature corresponding to the temp gauge being just slightly over the half way mark.

Original part numbers  Lancia/Fiat 82286103 Spec =  M22 x 1.5  with nominal 92/87 degC on/off.   Intermotor part 50200 is the matching item for this.  The 50100 item has nominal on/off settings about 10 degC lower which is quite a long way off standard.

Searching online for the original Lancia / Fiat part number finds countless good brand new items matching the above for little £....