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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Radiator electric fan thermo switch?

A lot of you guys have a thermostatic switch for the electric fans mounted in the front of the top tank of the radiator. Seems like a great idea, but what's the brand and/or where do you get one? The local speed shop only has the type of temp sensor that you insert between the rad fins ... seems to me it would be better to have it actually in the top tank. Anywhere to get one, esp. in US? I assume it comes with the bung you'd have to have soldered into the top tank?
Terrence

Better still if its in the inlet manifold.

Most manifolds have an extra outlet somewhere and if the OE switch doesn't fit, your local plumbers merchants will find a sleeve that does.
Roger Walker

I prefer the type switch which mounts in the cylinder head. These screw in just like the original sender for the temp gauge, most V8's have an unused port opposite the temp sender, and are available in several temperature settings. I used a 190 degree switch which controls the fan relay. Check with your local auto parts store, they should have a book which lists the temp ranges and thread sizes.
Bill Young

Bill, this sounds really promising ... but on my car the temp gauge is on the front side of the intake manifold (Edelbrock) ... can you give me a little more guidance? ... if there _is_ an extra pre-threaded hole, with a halfway normal thread, that would be fantastic!
Terrence

I can't remember if the Buick/Rover V8 had such a temperature sending unit in the head. Most Chevy and other GM V8's and V6's used such a sending unit mounting. Check under the exhaust manifold along the lower outer portion of the head for a sending unit or a pipe plug. Most of the GM senders were threaded the same as 3/8" pipe. You could also drill and tap the manifold if there is room next to your existing sending unit.
Bill Young

Factory V8s have both temp gauge sender and fan switch in seperate places in the inlet manifold. A friend who had an Edelbrock conversion ended up with an adjustable fan switch with the sensor pushed under the top hose where it connects to the radiator - not ideal as it loses a bit of water during warmup. MGOC sells a gizmo that fits in the top hose (which has to be cut into two pieces and shortened slightly) into which a fan switch will go.

PaulH.
Paul Hunt

On my conversion, i fitted a Kenlowe kit. This has to guided in the upper hose where it meets the radiator. It doesn't leak and an other advantage is that it can be adjusted so in hot wheather you can get the fans switched on earlier.
Peter
peter van de velde

NAPA sells a variable cotrol that has a plenum that is inserted in the top radiator hose for about $35.00 I think.I have one in my car and works very well.
Ken Blough

My friend has the adjustable Kenlowe (i.e. inserted into the top hose and leaks), I couldn't think of the name at the time. Once the engine has cooled enough for the stat to start closing no amount on fan blowing through the rad will cool it any further, apart from the minimal effects of said air blowing past the block.

I have the SU switch in the manifold and because this has a lower setting than the Otter switch it tends to leave the fans on for ages even though the needle is back down on N.

PaulH.
Paul Hunt

Terrence, if you only have one hole on the intake and it's being used by the sending unit, you can buy a "tee" to allow the use of a switch and a sending unit. Many Ford V8 vehicles of 80's-90's use such a tee to accomidate two sensors.
JOAQUIN

This thread was discussed between 14/06/2001 and 29/06/2001

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