thermal switch for electric cooling fan conversion.

Peter Milnes · Dec 12th, 2002, 01:10

Can someone let me know where to obtain a thermal switch suitable for operating a relay so that my conversion to electric fan can be carried out successfully? I believe that someone has done such a conversion and it was reported on in one of these forums a while back. The info on where that report is would also be appreciated. Thankyou for your time in advance.

All the best, Peter

Paul Wildsmith · Dec 12th, 2002, 19:55

Peter - I suppose you could source one from Kenlowe? Otherwise, and electronic component supplier like Maplins or CPC may have something suitable.

PS: Happy Christmas to you and June

Paul

Ian HT · Dec 12th, 2002, 21:03

Hello Peter,

I fitted an electric fan kit from Kenlowe to my 940 early this year. I think I reported that the adjustable temperature switch looked almost the same as the one I had just changed on my household boiler - approx. 1.5 inch cube shaped switch with a knob to turn for adjustment and spade connectors for the wires. It also has a thin capillary tube about three feet long with a "bulb" on the end that goes into the radiator where the top hose fits. I do not know how the temperature ranges of the Kenlowe-supplied part compare with a household boiler part!

I did wonder whether a standard Volvo part would do the job. I believe that some (air-con.?) cars have a thermoswitch in a short length of tube fitted into the bottom radiator hose. Would that be set at the right temperature? If rated too hot (to work the air-con electric fan as back-up?) would it work better in the top hose which may be meant to run hotter?

Halfords do replacement electric fan switches. Probably only any use if by some miracle your radiator has a matching threaded hole or if you make up your own length of tube (exhaust pipe?), weld a suitably threaded nut on and fit a switch of your choice.

On balance a "proper" adjustable switch would be easier. Note that the Kenlowe system uses a rubber fillet/wedge to help the top hose seal around the capillary tube: it really needs some of that rubbery gasket sealant to guarantee no leaks.

Apologies for rambling on, hope this helps!

Ian.

Mike Arnold · Dec 12th, 2002, 21:15

The professional electronic supply companies keep a selection of thermal switches. Maplin tend to be a bit limited. The best pro suppliers are RS (rswww.com) and Farnell (farnell.com). RS are a bit stuffy and will only supply to those with access to an official account but they did have a domestic mail order outlet (Electrovalue or something like that). Farnell (in Leeds) will serve anyone with money.

If you are really stuck I might be able to get to RS in Stockport providing you know what you want.

Happy hunting.

Peter Milnes · Dec 13th, 2002, 02:23

Thankyou for the help gents. I shall have a good hunt for a local stockist for these items. A merry Xmas to you and your families.

All the best, Peter

Dec 12th, 2002, 01:10	#1
Peter Milnes Premier Member Last Online: Apr 10th, 2014 00:01 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tonyrefail	thermal switch for electric cooling fan conversion. Can someone let me know where to obtain a thermal switch suitable for operating a relay so that my conversion to electric fan can be carried out successfully? I believe that someone has done such a conversion and it was reported on in one of these forums a while back. The info on where that report is would also be appreciated. Thankyou for your time in advance. All the best, Peter

Dec 12th, 2002, 19:55	#2
Paul Wildsmith Register Keeper Last Online: Yesterday 22:28 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Bristol	RE: thermal switch for electric cooling fan conversion. Peter - I suppose you could source one from Kenlowe? Otherwise, and electronic component supplier like Maplins or CPC may have something suitable. PS: Happy Christmas to you and June Paul __________________ Paul VOC 90's SPARK

Dec 12th, 2002, 21:03	#3
Ian HT VOC Member Last Online: Apr 10th, 2024 08:20 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Syston	RE: thermal switch for electric cooling fan conversion. Hello Peter, I fitted an electric fan kit from Kenlowe to my 940 early this year. I think I reported that the adjustable temperature switch looked almost the same as the one I had just changed on my household boiler - approx. 1.5 inch cube shaped switch with a knob to turn for adjustment and spade connectors for the wires. It also has a thin capillary tube about three feet long with a "bulb" on the end that goes into the radiator where the top hose fits. I do not know how the temperature ranges of the Kenlowe-supplied part compare with a household boiler part! I did wonder whether a standard Volvo part would do the job. I believe that some (air-con.?) cars have a thermoswitch in a short length of tube fitted into the bottom radiator hose. Would that be set at the right temperature? If rated too hot (to work the air-con electric fan as back-up?) would it work better in the top hose which may be meant to run hotter? Halfords do replacement electric fan switches. Probably only any use if by some miracle your radiator has a matching threaded hole or if you make up your own length of tube (exhaust pipe?), weld a suitably threaded nut on and fit a switch of your choice. On balance a "proper" adjustable switch would be easier. Note that the Kenlowe system uses a rubber fillet/wedge to help the top hose seal around the capillary tube: it really needs some of that rubbery gasket sealant to guarantee no leaks. Apologies for rambling on, hope this helps! Ian.

Dec 12th, 2002, 21:15	#4
Mike Arnold Master Member Last Online: May 7th, 2024 13:22 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Stockport, Gtr Manchester View Photos By: Mike Arnold	RE: thermal switch for electric cooling fan conversion. The professional electronic supply companies keep a selection of thermal switches. Maplin tend to be a bit limited. The best pro suppliers are RS (rswww.com) and Farnell (farnell.com). RS are a bit stuffy and will only supply to those with access to an official account but they did have a domestic mail order outlet (Electrovalue or something like that). Farnell (in Leeds) will serve anyone with money. If you are really stuck I might be able to get to RS in Stockport providing you know what you want. Happy hunting. __________________ Mike Arnold. 1966 122S

Dec 13th, 2002, 02:23	#5
Peter Milnes Premier Member Last Online: Apr 10th, 2014 00:01 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tonyrefail	RE: thermal switch for electric cooling fan conversion. Thankyou for the help gents. I shall have a good hunt for a local stockist for these items. A merry Xmas to you and your families. All the best, Peter

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