I think I may need a new otterstat.
While I was working on the car yesterday and turned the ignition on (not started) the rad fans kicked in immediately.
Last time I drove her was the 30mile round trip to the MOT a week ago.
So I guess the otter switch is stuck open (or closed...whichever keeps the fans on). I will disconnect the wire to check.
But I hear that an Austin Metro switch is suitable?
Does this look like the right one to those in the know?
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=...2343683493
Tris
Was just reading a Renault alpine forum and there are a few cross reference parts for the metro switch...
VRF 311
Intermotor 50056
XEFS56
Rad fan switch 86-92 degrees
Found this for £2
https://www.amazon.co.uk/QUINTON-HAZELL-...B006EM07EW
I bought the last 2 on that amazon listing. £2 delivered was too good to pass up.
It’s the same part as the Austin Metro part as far as I can see...... fingers crossed!!
I checked today - and unplugged one of the leads on the otterstat and the fans went off.
So I guess that’s the problem.
Hopefully it will be easy to replace.......I’ll find out next weekend.
Piece of cake to replace, but they fail at will get yourself an over-ride switch fitted as a back up and at least on spare on hand.....
Chris
(24 Jun 2018, 20:58)Chris Williams Wrote: [ -> ]Piece of cake to replace, but they fail at will get yourself an over-ride switch fitted as a back up and at least on spare on hand.....
Chris
Hopefully the one I bought off amazon above will do the trick. I bought their last 2, so I’ll have a spare.
What the best way to override? From the otterstat?
Or the fan relay?
Oh and ok to replace from above? Albeit a bit blind.... seems straight forward
This is what you're after. Note that this one is actually the correct temperature range on-off setpoints. On at 92 degrees C and off again at 87 degrees C.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/QUINTON-HAZEL...SweZJaFwRw
The ones you've linked, although it will fit the hole, both operate at different temperature setpoints, which isn't the end of the world by any means, but it does mean it will take longer for your cooling fans to kick in, meaning your engine will be allowed to run hotter than usual.
VRF311 is the correct OEM number, but this lines up with XEFS60, not XEFS56 or Intermotor 50056.
It's up to you if you want to pay the extra money for this difference or not of course.
(25 Jun 2018, 13:16)TristanC Wrote: [ -> ]Ok, thanks....
But the part supplied on DGo operates at the same temp as the ones I mentioned?
https://www.deloreango.com/uk/otterstat-...witch.html
Are the ones currently available operating too hot?
I'm just advising of what was OEM and originally fitted to the cars. What people supply to whom or what people want to fit to their cars is a separate subject.
Thanks Chris,
I’m new to this remember - so I can only go by what I read.
DMCH and DGo both supply 96/88 otters which tally’s with the part I’ve found too.
I’m here for advice and guidance, which you’ve graciously provided and I will take note of.
I’d rather run cooler rather than hotter!
Cheers
Tris
I've just got a manual switch my otterstat looks to have been disconnected for a while. I got the pipe which allows for a screw in from dgo will fit that at some point. However even with it working I feel like I'll always be checking the guage manually as they are a dodgy thing.
(25 Jun 2018, 13:31)TristanC Wrote: [ -> ]I’m new to this remember - so I can only go by what I read.
I’m here for advice and guidance, which you’ve graciously provided and I will take note of.
Of course. I'm not suggesting anything else. No offence intended by me, or anything else other than me trying to be helpful to someone asking for input.
Cheers Chris, I appreciate it! No offence taken at any point dude
The input is very much welcomed.
(25 Jun 2018, 14:18)priesh Wrote: [ -> ]I've just got a manual switch my otterstat looks to have been disconnected for a while. I got the pipe which allows for a screw in from dgo will fit that at some point. However even with it working I feel like I'll always be checking the guage manually as they are a dodgy thing.
Yeah, I’ve heard these things are dodgy, so I’ll be getting a spare.
I bought the higher temp ones from Amazon yesterday for £2, so nothing lost.
But I’ll be installing a fan override too.
I still need to get the temp gauge working yet!
The thing is even if it is working I'll be so paranoid that it won't be much difference from how it is now with just the manual switch.
My switch is a bit crappy though so want to do a better job of it at some point
I fitted the newer 'screw in' version when ChrisP was selling them and it's so far proved reliable. However I still keep a VERY close eye on the temp gauge. I along with many others have fitted an override switch. Tris, it's nothing more than running a wire from either terminal of the otterstat wires to a simple on/off switch so you can manually switch the fans on. If that makes sense!
Chris
Yep - makes perfect sense Chris, cheers.
I’ve got my switch ready to fit this Saturday when I do the Stat.
I’ll get the new screw in tube and stat further down the line.
Cheers
Tris
I've got a manual fan switch on #2292, I became paranoid about it overheating all the time after several mishaps.
I've also got one of Chrispy's pipes with the screw in otterstat, so assuming it'll still fit, I'll fit it to the car when we eventually
do the engine swap.