Thermostatic Radiator Switch
Discussion
I gave up on mine after the third one failed. Don't know why they fail as the circuit runs through a relay.
Like you suggested I worked my way through the catalogue at my local factors for a replacement so it is nothing to do with the make the factory supply.
Finally fitted a Kenlow adjustable one which works great and I'm able to set it just where I want it.
Steve
Like you suggested I worked my way through the catalogue at my local factors for a replacement so it is nothing to do with the make the factory supply.
Finally fitted a Kenlow adjustable one which works great and I'm able to set it just where I want it.
Steve
a relay is still an inductive load which can cause contact burn in any contact.
There is a thing called a relay diode that is used in parallel with the relay control (coil)
which actually suppresses the inductive spark occuring with the switching.
These thermal switches however usually are very slow so it might even happen that when opening and closing
there is more burn then necessary and causing premature wear. A switch with a larger hysterisis could fix this issue (e.g. switching on with 85 degrees and off at 75 instead of 80 and 78)
There is a thing called a relay diode that is used in parallel with the relay control (coil)
which actually suppresses the inductive spark occuring with the switching.
These thermal switches however usually are very slow so it might even happen that when opening and closing
there is more burn then necessary and causing premature wear. A switch with a larger hysterisis could fix this issue (e.g. switching on with 85 degrees and off at 75 instead of 80 and 78)
No- idea on the fan switch failure but along the same lines, has anyone run their fan switch nearer the engine?
There must exist a much greater difference in temp's between the top of the motor and the rad in the Ultima installation, than in a standard vehicle.
I have read about builders upgrading their fans due to overheating but would you not benefit from having the fan-switch nearer the source of heat so switching took place much earlier?
Ill bet theres a good few degrees drop along those six foot pipes!!
There must exist a much greater difference in temp's between the top of the motor and the rad in the Ultima installation, than in a standard vehicle.
I have read about builders upgrading their fans due to overheating but would you not benefit from having the fan-switch nearer the source of heat so switching took place much earlier?
Ill bet theres a good few degrees drop along those six foot pipes!!
Davrianman said:
Steve_D said:
Finally fitted a Kenlow adjustable one which works great and I'm able to set it just where I want it.
Steve
Hi Steve,Steve
I don't suppose you know the part number of the Kenlow switch? I would like to order one...
Many Thanks,
Mart
Found here
http://www.kenlowe.com/fans/consumers/fans05.html#
Reference the comments about fitting the stat nearer the engine.
My adjustable is fitted at the rad. I watch the dash temperature gauge (sensor on the engine) and decide if the fan is cutting in at a good time. If not then I open up the front and make an adjustment. Once set you should not need to touch it again. So it does not really matter where the sensor is.
I doubt there will be much difference between front to back on a cold day compared to a hot day and I'm really only interested on hot days.
Steve
ETA I have fitted the control in the corner of the chassis just forward of the battery. In this position it is possible to just disconnect from the rad switch and plug straight onto the new stat.
Edited by Steve_D on Thursday 5th February 14:49
V8OWNER said:
Ive used the kenlowe one also,
always been a reliable bit of kit.. just wish it didnt look so industrial..
You could put it in a nice polished box.always been a reliable bit of kit.. just wish it didnt look so industrial..
Wish I had on the Dakar 4x4. They don't work so well when full of mud.
Steve
ETA Should have said. The replacement I got for the Dakar came from Car Builder Solutions and was cheaper. They also do a housing that you fit inline in the hose rather than trapping the sensor under the hose where it fits to the rad.
Edited by Steve_D on Thursday 5th February 15:00
Steve_D said:
Davrianman said:
Steve_D said:
Finally fitted a Kenlow adjustable one which works great and I'm able to set it just where I want it.
Steve
Hi Steve,Steve
I don't suppose you know the part number of the Kenlow switch? I would like to order one...
Many Thanks,
Mart
Found here
http://www.kenlowe.com/fans/consumers/fans05.html#
Reference the comments about fitting the stat nearer the engine.
My adjustable is fitted at the rad. I watch the dash temperature gauge (sensor on the engine) and decide if the fan is cutting in at a good time. If not then I open up the front and make an adjustment. Once set you should not need to touch it again. So it does not really matter where the sensor is.
I doubt there will be much difference between front to back on a cold day compared to a hot day and I'm really only interested on hot days.
Steve
ETA I have fitted the control in the corner of the chassis just forward of the battery. In this position it is possible to just disconnect from the rad switch and plug straight onto the new stat.
oooooooo. used to have one of these and never could get the hose to seal with that silly pickup.... ended up using a ford escort temp sender that fitted my radtec radiator perfectly..
neat and simple.. also i had an over ride switch inside if i was about to get stuck in french summer traffic...
dom
Edited by Steve_D on Thursday 5th February 14:49
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