Electric Fan Sensor on/off range

[seadog]

I'm looking to change the Kenlowe fan sensor that fits down the side of the top hose to a sensor that fits in the top hose via a T piece adapter, what range of on/off sensor would I need?

The ebay site that sells these reckons I should use a 95°C on and 85°C off with the 82°C thermostat fitted (12° above thermostat temp) They do different sensors but the next one up would be 100° on and 90° off (too high??) and the one down is 90°on and 80° off (too low)

Anyone any suggestions please, the reason for changing is twofold, the first is that I cannot get a proper seal even with a new sleeve, there is still a small air leak there somewhere (expansion bottle fills up but doesn't return to radiator when it cools and everything points to the capillary in the hose letting air in when the rad cools and creates a vacuum but not water out when it's hot) The other reason is that the setting is affected by vibration and it changes cut in temperature every now and then - needs a clamp on the knob or summink..... easier and neater to fit this T piece type.

[Phil S]

have a look at the digital fan controller on the car builder solutions site, they also do top hose stats

[mike@thenook]

Hi seadog,

regards the vibration bit, has your thermostat until not got a screw or place for a screw which keeps the knob from moving- it should have......
Also, have you tried their latest type of sealing ring rather than the old type - I just got a couple to replace mine after 10 years or so and got a perfect seal albeit inside newish silicone hoses..

Cheers

Mike

[DZP]

I purchased the Revotec controller unit Rimmer Bros EFC28 that has the sensor integrated into the top hose splitter. It is basically just a thermostatic controller activating a relay. Assuming your Kenlow fan does not exceed the capacity of the Revotek relay then it should work fine. There is a small potentiometer to control the temperature for relay/fan activation on top of the splitter. I also purchased the optional override switch that routes to the dashboard.

[022Dave]

I had 'modern' thermostatic switches mounted in the radiator (which have similar on/off vales to those you are looking for) by our local radiator specialist, to control the fan & EWP. There's a huge range of switching values available. The Kenlowe draws a lot of current, so make sure your relay is capable. I had a 30 amp fitted originally, but after a summer run to Italy (where the fan was on for long periods), the relay & fuse looked decidedly worse for wear when we arrived home, even though neither failed! I've now fitted a heavy duty relay & circuit breaker.

Dave

[Phil S]

if you go for a top hose stat, fit the stat in the relay earth wire, you can then run another wire via a switch so you have a manual override.

[seadog]

Thank you all for the advice, unfortunately I've just heard today that the 95/85 sensor is out of stock! So now looking around to find one somewhere else. I intend fitting a 40A relay with it as I've seen somewhere that the Kenlowe draws about 32-35A on starting. Mine is fitted with a 40A fuse at present. The Revotec one says it's only for 30A though, and it's expensive!

[StagJonno]

Agree the Revotec one looks expensive, but they have a "name" and I'd be looking for reliability in the cooling system.

Re your original query, I'd go for the 95/85. My Kenlowe has been set to give 93/88 (according to the capilliary temp gauge) and has run fine for the past 4 years. I'm told that best engine efficiency is in the 90 - 95 range, though I don't have a source reference. That might point to the 100/90 unit, but I wouldn't be brave enough - one of my Staganoias is excessive differential expansion of the Al head and iron block and the temp can climb by ~10C on switch-off due to heat soak.

Jonno

[singapore stag]

Hi, I have the Revotec gauge fitted top left of radiator with variable temperature settings to work in conjunction with the Kenlowe.
Prior to choosing the right gauge I researched the engine temperature at various stages.
The temperature at the rear, the cam covers, and block were obviously differerent levels heatwise, BUT you will find that the temperatures are very high at the rear cam areas and cam covers, let alone rest of engine.
The Stag engine area has nowhere to dissipate the heat, the area is small and closed up. Hence why some opt for louvered bonnets.
One has to allow/compensate for this extra heat when setting the temperature.

I used a gadget similar to this to test the temperature before, during and after running the engine for some time, and thats with the bonnet OPEN.
My tuppence worth, may sound like gibberish, so please observe the green behind my ears. :-)

Sukh.
Ps.....there was a lengthy thread regarding engine temp gauges and this was one of the subjects covered....very interesting reading.

[jakesmig]

I have an RV8 and I set the fan to on at 100 and off at 90 and it seems to be effective

[stag8manod]

I've had two Kenlowe stats fail. As they no longer deal with the public I bought a 95/85 stat from Car Builders, I made a bronze adapter and soldered the 2/3rds way up the L/hand tank and screwed the stat in. The Kenlowe is a 16" 2 spd, low spd switches in at 85 and high at 95 and both can be over ridden from the dash with a lighted 2spd heater fan switch (also from CBs) via 40 amp relays. The Kenlowe blows any lower fuse on startup. Been fitted 2 yrs now.
Interesting a single spd Kenlowe in the Spitfire has never given trouble in 25 yrs with a Honda Civic stat.
Cheers Ian A

[seadog]

I've had two Kenlowe stats fail. As they no longer deal with the public I bought a 95/85 stat from Car Builders, I made a bronze adapter and soldered the 2/3rds way up the L/hand tank and screwed the stat in. The Kenlowe is a 16" 2 spd, low spd switches in at 85 and high at 95 and both can be over ridden from the dash with a lighted 2spd heater fan switch (also from CBs) via 40 amp relays. The Kenlowe blows any lower fuse on startup. Been fitted 2 yrs now.
Interesting a single spd Kenlowe in the Spitfire has never given trouble in 25 yrs with a Honda Civic stat.
Cheers Ian A

Mine is a single speed fan, I think I'll go for the Car Builder Solutions 32mm adapter (T?) piece and a 95° on and 86° off switch seeing as the other site (Stoney Racing) hasn't got the 95/85 switch in stock, an alternative is the same, or very similar from T7 Design, although their adapter is twice the price of the Car Builder one.

I am guessing that the 95/86 switch will be ok, just depends on the actual tolerance/range of the switch - one retailer quoted

+/- 3° for a

95° on 85° off - which might never switch off if it errs to the low side, Car Builders site doesn't state the tolerances of the switch however.

Anyway, I've just got to sort a suitable 40A relay with base now, should be plenty on ebay then I'll order on Monday...….

[Klaus Schlueter]

If it is still of any help for you:
I have installed a VW switch # 823 959 481 F, 92-87 C, thread M22x1,5 mm. Works perfectly since 15 years. Never had a problem on all my trips to hot Italy. Fan: from a Peugeot 405/406.