carboy0 Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 Newbie question My T 2000 has an old Kenlow fan fitted, but partially disconnected. I have never been a fan of the Kenlow ‘sensor up the top hose’ way of measuring temperature and although using a modern temperature switch in a top hose adaptor is my fall back position (a la Revotec), I was wondering whether anyone has used one of these thermostat housings with the temperature gauge sensor port in, and then fitted rad fan temp switch in that? If yes, how did it work out? I know that I’ll need an adaptor to fit a modern metric threaded switch, I guess my real question is whether the temperature at the back of the thermostat is really any different from the temperature at the radiator inlet - would it make a difference to the temperature setting in the fan switch? Second question - where can I find a thermostat housing with the temp sensor port - I can’t find them listed on any of the regular Triumph parts websites? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 Ive never seen thermostat housings that come ready made with a sensor port but how about the other alternative of sensor inserted in the radiator fins. I have this type (its a small electrical sensor that easily pushes into the fins to keep it in contact with a tube to measure the the temperature and via adjustable electronics start the fan) and it works well even indicating the measured temperature and the set point. Mine is home made on the cheap but this is the posh version: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Davies-Craig-Digital-Thermatic-EWP-Radiator-Fan-Switch-Kit-Controller-SPAL/202274331517?hash=item2f187d5b7d:g:~vkAAOSwsGdavJz8:rk:4:pf:0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 I don't think they are actually drilled at all, just have a bit of suitable-looking casting. Even then it may not be as thick as expected? There was a fiesta housing that had a thread on the top for a fan switch. Early 90's?? but not sure if you will have the space on top for a switch. The easy solution is to get a hose adaptor. A bit of pipe with a threaded insert. That way it can be fitted in either the top or bottom hose and a suitable switch used. I fitted one in teh bottom hose and used a dual temp switch, from a citroen I think. Gave me the chance to try 2 settings. Choosing the correct temp is a tad tricky, especially in the bottom hose. Top hose is about 4-6 degrees after the thermostat opens (ie 88 stat, use a 92-95 switch) but bottom hose less , something similar to stat temp) https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=fan+switch+hose&_sacat=0&_sop=15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 I don't think they are actually drilled at all, just have a bit of suitable-looking casting. Even then it may not be as thick as expected? There was a fiesta housing that had a thread on the top for a fan switch. Early 90's?? but not sure if you will have the space on top for a switch. The easy solution is to get a hose adaptor. A bit of pipe with a threaded insert. That way it can be fitted in either the top or bottom hose and a suitable switch used. I fitted one in teh bottom hose and used a dual temp switch, from a citroen I think. Gave me the chance to try 2 settings. Choosing the correct temp is a tad tricky, especially in the bottom hose. Top hose is about 4-6 degrees after the thermostat opens (ie 88 stat, use a 92-95 switch) but bottom hose less , something similar to stat temp) https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=fan+switch+hose&_sacat=0&_sop=15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iggy Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 the temperature sensor for the temp gauge screws into the theremostat housing on the saloons,well mine is and its shown this way in the haynes manual, you can braze the correct size theaded adaptor into the side of the radiator top🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyb Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 This one I drilled and tapped for a fan switch. The alloy is thick at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyb Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 This is on my Spit 1500. I had to buy a replacement to do this as the standard one does not have the lumpy bit to drill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrapman Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 Why don't you just fit one of the combined temperature sender and fan switch thingies? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velocita Rosso Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 I have one similar to this on the Spitfire https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stoney-Racing-80-c-Universal-Radiator-Fan-Switch-36mm-Hose-I-D-Temp-Control-/183539043914 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 Disavantage with temperature switches, however they are installed, is no adjustability - well only if you buy different switches and even then you cant change the on-off gap..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyb Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 Mine is only used as a back up to the mechanical fan. Sometimes comes on in very hot weather in heavy traffic. Did try without the mechanical fan but the car suffered from vapour lock without the continuous movement of air under the bonnet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyb Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 Mine is only used as a back up to the mechanical fan. Sometimes comes on in very hot weather in heavy traffic. Did try without the mechanical fan but the car suffered from vapour lock without the continuous movement of air under the bonnet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 Do you have the electric fan set up to run after the ignition is turned off Danny? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyb Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 No Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carboy0 Posted January 14, 2019 Author Share Posted January 14, 2019 Danny, that’s the kiddy! Exactly what I want to do. I too will run the standard fan and use this for backup for the really hot days. What switch did you use (what car is it from), I can see that it’s a single pole and earths through the engine? I have used a temp switch on another classic for about 10 years with no problem. Most classic engines run at their optimum at around 90 degrees C. So I selected a switch that comes on between 95-100 degrees and off at about 5 degrees above the thermostat opening point. From my experience most users of the Kenlow or Revotec adjustable switches, play about until they find a happy setting for them and then leave them alone - the downside of these is that the on and the off temp is the same. Using a modern switch that comes on at one temperature and off at a lower temperature gives more ‘insurance’ against boiling up. A bit of research first will mean no need to play around with the temp at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 Still reckon one of these is far easier and cheaper at 2.50 delivered. Individually adjustable on and off temperatures, output relay good for up to 20A and digital display of the actual temperature reading..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carboy0 Posted January 14, 2019 Author Share Posted January 14, 2019 That’s a clever bit of kit, but I’m put off by the temperature probe, which looks like it needs inserting into the top hose (unless it’s a contact only unit). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glang Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 I believe the probe is waterproof so it could be inserted in a hose but Ive got mine pushed between the fins of my radiator so that its in contact with the underside of the top tank. As the settings are completely adjustable I ran the engine until the dash temperature gauge indicated the point at which I wanted the fan to start (needle 3/4 position) then read off the temperature indicated on the display. This value (90º) I then put in as the set point for the fan start while the turn off temperature was initially set 10º lower and progressively increased to achieve the optimum control.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyb Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 Can't Remember what switch I used. I did post on the forum but all my old post like others have found they are no longer available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carboy0 Posted January 15, 2019 Author Share Posted January 15, 2019 Quoted from Dannyb- Can't Remember what switch I used. I did post on the forum but all my old post like others have found they are no longer available. It’s OK, Ohave found a range of switches all M14 x 1.5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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