Not so bad an idea when you put it that way : )

Jim

On Wed, Mar 8, 2023 at 4:43 PM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:

> well.. I'd think that switch is like insurance... We pay insurance and
> hope we never have to use it but it's there.
> When I get stuck in traffic or when I climb a loooong uphill stretch... I
> like to have that switch...
>
> Right? :-)
>
> On Wed, Mar 8, 2023 at 2:35 PM Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Right Eric. Some folks live (and/or drive) where there is a lot of stress
>> on the cooling system and might need an override. But I've had two gas and
>> one diesel Vanagons that never took the needle over the middle of the
>> gauge
>> unless something was wrong. But then again, I don't live near a mountain
>> range and I don't haul heavy trailers. For years I thought a little temp
>> rise on a steep hill was normal, but since replacing my radiator five
>> years
>> ago, I don't even get that.
>>
>> Jim
>>
>> On Wed, Mar 8, 2023 at 8:55 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>> > Hi folks,
>> >
>> > Back from our adventure in Scotland.
>> >
>> > I remember adding a manual fan switch to my 84 many years ago.  I think
>> it
>> > was the legendary Uncle Joel that posted the directions and talked me
>> > through it.
>> >
>> > I can see why it is useful when approaching a hill or a traffic jam but
>> > for most of us I think the system works without it and I’m going to try
>> to
>> > avoid adding and changing things going forward unless I clearly see the
>> > improvement.
>> >
>> > But, for the right person this would be a good modification.
>> >
>> > Best,
>> >
>> > Eric Caron
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > > On Mar 8, 2023, at 6:38 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
>> > wrote:
>> > >
>> > > If you are connecting the switch to the wires at the radiator fan
>> > switch, the high speed is already operating a relay. For 87 and later
>> with
>> > AC there is a large relay with a fuse link fed by its own wire directly
>> > from the battery. For the none AC and earlier vans the relay is on the
>> fuse
>> > box.
>> > >
>> > > Dennis
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > -----Original Message-----
>> > > From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of
>> > OlRivrRat
>> > > Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 8:51 PM
>> > > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> > > Subject: Re: Installing an override switch on the vanagon radiator
>> sensor
>> > >
>> > >                Dan & TWeEMBI
>> > >
>> > >        Since Your Van is a ’90 You should have a 30amp fuse on that
>> > circuit so You want to have a wire that will carry @ least that
>> amperage to
>> > the dash & back which means a 10ga wire should be used ~ Probably a
>> safer
>> > more energy wise & professional way to do it would be let the circuit be
>> > completed via relay placed close to the Rad’ sensor/switch & then a low
>> > load smaller wire (or wires if like Me You want to control both speeds)
>> can
>> > be run to the New Switch on the dash ~
>> > >
>> > >                                                        ORR ~ DeanB
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >> On 7 Mar , 2023, at 5:03 PM, Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>> > >>
>> > >> Thanks to both of you for the inputs...
>> > >>
>> > >> DeanB... the T-Tap is a good idea, I will try it... Could you suggest
>> > >> what gauge to use from the toggle switch to the radiator sensor?
>> > >>
>> > >> dan,
>> > >>
>> > >> On Tue, Mar 7, 2023 at 3:34 PM OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@comcast.net>
>> wrote:
>> > >>
>> > >>>               Dan & TWeEIMC
>> > >>>
>> > >>>       Did Just that not long after I got My 1st H2OBoxer back in ’83
>> > >>> & also did it to My ’90 not long after I got it in ’06,,, Mine are
>> > >>> connected to the High Speed circuit since My aim was to be able to
>> > >>> switch the fan on high as I would be approaching a significant climb
>> > >>> while loaded with a bunch of boating & camping gear & with a Canoe
>> or
>> > >>> 2 on the roof rack & a Raft trailer with a Raft or 2 hitched to the
>> > >>> rear, in order to keep the Cooling System from even thinking a
>> little
>> > >>> bit about heading for high temps,,, It has worked out great for many
>> > >>> years & I have also considered on numerous occasions about replacing
>> > >>> the Single Throw switch with a Double Throw switch to provide manual
>> > >>> control of the Low Speed as well ~ Using “T-Tap” on the wires right
>> @
>> > >>> the Radiator Sensor/Switch makes for a very simple way to do the
>> mod’
>> > >>> ~ If You are not familiar with “T-Tap” just Google it ~
>> > >>>
>> > >>>                                                       ORR ~ DeanB
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>> On 7 Mar , 2023, at 2:17 PM, Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> hi all,
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> I am thinking about installing an override switch on the vanagon
>> > >>>> radiator sensor so I can turn the fan ON/OFF whenever I want. The
>> > >>>> van is a 1990
>> > >>> 2.1
>> > >>>> WBX, no A/C.... in case the sensor fails.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> Would using 2 wires from the toggle switch and attaching them on
>> the
>> > >>>> 2 wires on the sensor at the bottom of the radiator work? Any risk
>> > >>>> or
>> > >>> problem?
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> thank you,
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> dan
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> >
>>
>