

| Subject: | Re: Radiator Fan temp Sensor Failure |
| From: | Blue Eyes |
| Date: | Sun, 8 Nov 1998 22:54:16 -0600 |
Steve said, "It turns out that the temp sensor leaks..and coolant went right into the plug and shorted it out...causing the fan to be on high at all times..." Rather than simply replacing that defective high temperature thermostatic switch with an identical replacement, consider this: I'm not looking for a war here, but It's long been MY opinion (you may not share this opinion, and if you don't, that's fine) that the heat values of the high temp and low temp radiator mounted thermostats which control the high speed and low speed windings of my diesel Westy's radiator fan, were poorly selected by VW engineering. I suggest replacing the low-temp low-speed controlling thermostatic switch with a new one having a lower actuation temperature. Then, replace your high temp thermostatic switch with the old low temp thermostatic switch. To preserve easy reversibiliy, don't throw away that old high temp thermostatic switch until you've satisfied yourself that this is a better match between engine heat and automatic fan cooling. The effect I experienced was that both the low speed winding came on earlier and high speed fan circuit came on automatically for the first time ever. Before I made this modification to my fan controlling circuits, even in the worst of Florida's summer heat, I NEVER heard the fan come on at high speed without using my manual over ride switch which I had felt compelled to install. Now that manual switch isn't needed. The heat gauge used to occasionally indicate that I was running very hot. After these simple changes, the heat gauge never showed alarmingly high temperatures again. I'd make that decision again in a heart beat. Bentley shows the heat value ratings of these thermostatic switches. FLAPS can get equivalents with different heat ranges. Just my opinion, but it worked for me. John
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