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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - electric fans trip switch

cold V8 Roadster seeks warm hands

i have just changed my thermostat to a winter 88 deg to try to keep the old hands and feet warm. Trouble is the electric fans cut in too early as the trip switch setting is too low. I do not have kenlows fitted with the adjustable thermostst , just the origiinal V8 earth switch upstream of the top hose, , i have tried Moss to see if they do a higher temp or adjustable switch but no luck.
any ideas anyone?
Brian Marshall

Most unusual, most people would prefer a lower setting to keep it cooler. What does your temp gauge read? Is the thermostat working properly (the thermostat should stop the fans over-cooling the block)? Is the waterways through control valve and heater core clear? Is the airway through the core clear? Are the heater air pipes and control flaps connected correctly and functioning? Is the cold-air flap closed? Is the fan running in the correct direction?

PaulH.
Paul Hunt

Brian, why not split the fan cct. Have one on auto & one switched on by an override switch ? A lot of people would like your problem. Barrie E
Barrie Egerton

Brian,

I fitted the Kenlowe thermostatic control in combination with the original fans. This allows you to control the moment the fans come in without the need of fitting Kenlow fans.
Regards
Peter
Peter van de Velde

Thanks for the messages chaps. In reply to Paul's question, everything is clean, working, new radiator, cooling system flushed out several times etc: etc: Guess I went too far and ended up with one of the few "cool" V8's. Trouble is now my electric fans cut in just before N on the dial and hence the old girl doesnt reach a nice temp.Thanks for the Kenlow idea Peter, i had condsidered it , i just hoped I could replace the on off switch with a higher set one. i will persue.

brian
Brian Marshall

Try getting a new thermostatic switch from SU Burlen, mine cuts in about 1/3rd the way from N to H. I also have a fan override switch on the dash, illuminated, so I can see that the fans have cut in automatically as well as force them if I wish.

PaulH.
Paul Hunt

Brian,
I just began reading the March 2001 issue of the U.S. magazine, Custom Rodder, and saw an electric fan temperature controller mentioned in their new equipment section. It is an automatic fan control, and the temperature can be selected form the driver seat. The FC-2P Temperature Control Box is made by Centech (Frederick, Pennsylvania, phone 1-610-754-0720). Apparently they have a website at www.centechwire.com
Charles
Charles Clarke

I have my electric fan switched by an OEM switch which is mounted in the cylinder head. I checked the parts catalog and found several different temperatures listed for this type housing. I chose one which would match my thermostat range the best, but I could have gone either hotter or cooler. Used in conjunction with a relay to switch the high amperage current to the fan this works fine. You can also force the fan to run by installing a switch to ground (earth) or cut the fan off by installing a switch which will open the circuit. I perfer this type of switch because it is an OEM part and is available at most any parts store if it ever fails, there is no modification to the radiator or the hoses, and it monitors actual engine temperature instead of the coolant temperature in hose or radiator.
Bill Young

This thread was discussed between 16/01/2001 and 20/01/2001

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