Fitting new Otter Switch to a 400SE Rad - Anyone done it?

[Stever]

What's the best way - is there one?

does bonnet removal help?
Can you get to it from below?
Is it all done with mirrors?
Will passenger headlamp removal help?
Can't even see the fker yet

[pwd95]

Probably easier to fit a Kenlowe type adjustable jobbie using the wiring. The otter is a right pain to get at. As long as it's not leaking leave it where it is.

[rev-erend]

Steve,

Remove the bonnet.

Headlight removal not needed.

Follow the top hose to the radiator - feel the top of the rad and slide you hand around the side .. that is where the otter switch is..

You can also find the wire that goes to it .. there is also a radiator mount there too..

Then you will understand why we say it's a near impossible job. The only way to remove it is to remove the radiator and that is a 2 man job..

I fitted a revotec rad controller in the top hose - I have a picture but the rechargable batteries went flat - so I'll post it later. It's a much easier job as you just cut the top hose - the temp is adjustable too !

Edited by rev-erend on Friday 5th September 12:08

[rev-erend]

Something like this : http://www.revotec.com/details.asp?ID=36

Here is the picture before the batteries died..

the otter is to the left of the hose. In the foreground is the new otter switch - much easier.

Edited by rev-erend on Friday 5th September 12:17

[Stever]

Thanks guys.

Alan it could be a beaver in your picture I can't make anything out of it

The otter switch arrived in the post and I thought hey this looks easy to fit - unscrew the old, screw in the new and attach the spade connectors, even I thought I could do that but it appears not to be. Bugger!!

Are you saying that even if you can see the switch with the bonnet removed and judicious use of mirrors, it wont come out without removing the rad? Bugger that too!

Thanks for the Revotach link looks like this is the way to go.

Anyone want to buy a spare beaver, I mean otter switch?

[jmorgan]

Mine was held in with clips. The seal went. Sooooooo prodding around to change it and the seal plopped in the side tank. Remove rad with much cursing to remove seal etc etc. Had the 'ole sealed and fitted the revotech.

[rev-erend]

Yes - sorry .. it was the only picture I took before the rubbish rechargeable batteries died.

[rev-erend]

Fitted it yet Steve ?

[adam quantrill]

The kenlowe adjustables are even easier to fit - you just slide the sensor into the hose under a join and clamp it in place with the jubilee clip.

[Stever]

rev-erend said:

Fitted it yet Steve ?

Well......No

I spent ages with lights and a mirror yesterday but I just cannot even see it let alone replace the blighter. My rad was recored just before I bought the car 5 years ago and I wonder if it was bunged or modified then. I have raised the nearside light pod but there doesn't seem to be any access even if you remove that.

My other thought is that this started to play up just before BBWF when I was doing some under bonnet cleaning and maybe I've disturbed one of the connectors or pulled a wire???????? Does an Otter switch just throw the towel in, there doesn't seem much to it?

Running out of time, should pick up the new beast today?

Wedgie thanks for your email too, as mentioned I don't think there is headlight access on mine

[rev-erend]

Yes - it's quite possible for the wire to come out .. two wires are squeezed in there .. somehow.

Told you it was hard

[djc1001]

If its in the 'standard' position - pass side, side of rad, near top - removing the nearside pod gives good access - you will not see it thro' the pod.
Other option is thro the grill (if you have long arms) depends on whether you have mesh fitted and if its removable.
You implied the new switch is threaded ? - standard fit is push fit into a grommet, retained by spring clips -
The otter switch is an Allegro part not RR.
If you can't see the switch you should find a twin core cable heading to that area or trace backwards from the fan ?

Best of luck
David