Otter Switches
Discussion
Had a bit of an issue on Thursday on the way back from Goodwood.
Car over heated, gave no warning and lost coolant.
Think it may be down to a dodgy expansion tank cap so have one already on order.
Looking through my paperwork a new otterswitch was fitted in 2022 but it was supplied by the customer to the garage whist it was being serviced, so there's no receipt for it so I can see what it was.
I would like to get another otter switch that allows my fans to cut in earlier than they aleady are, doing some reading through the Steve heath book there's mention of a switch that will let the fans cut in at 74°c. I can't seem to find anything other than the 92-87 being the lowest temp switch available to buy.
Anyone else have any ideas?
Car over heated, gave no warning and lost coolant.
Think it may be down to a dodgy expansion tank cap so have one already on order.
Looking through my paperwork a new otterswitch was fitted in 2022 but it was supplied by the customer to the garage whist it was being serviced, so there's no receipt for it so I can see what it was.
I would like to get another otter switch that allows my fans to cut in earlier than they aleady are, doing some reading through the Steve heath book there's mention of a switch that will let the fans cut in at 74°c. I can't seem to find anything other than the 92-87 being the lowest temp switch available to buy.
Anyone else have any ideas?
Just fit an override switch to bypass the otter switch. Some owners have used the dash light switch that is redundant .
I would doubt that your expansion tank cap is the problem. The fan connectors at the radiator are prone to corrosion, also due to the high current the fans need it is not unknown for the fans relay to weld its pins to the fuse block. Check the fans fuse as well.
I would doubt that your expansion tank cap is the problem. The fan connectors at the radiator are prone to corrosion, also due to the high current the fans need it is not unknown for the fans relay to weld its pins to the fuse block. Check the fans fuse as well.
As Belle says Check the fans while stationary. Switch on the ignition and short circuit the otter switch the fans should start instantantly. If it does not start fault finding. Check if 12 volts is actually reaching the fan connectors use a 12 volt bulb connected to a good earth dont just measure with a voltmeter it can be misleading. If no volts at the fan connector check the fan fuse and relay, check relay pins, often very corroded or even welded to its socket.
I'm not sure that a lower-temp otter switch is the best option. As has already been suggested, if you want the option to turn the fans on early occasionally for a particular reason, fit an over-ride switch. Some will say it's a waste of time and not necessary but many, including me, have fitted one over the years.
Whilst looking at the expansion tank, check the inlet/outlet pipe at the bottom as it's not unknown for it, and/or the hose, to become blocked with 'crud'.
If you fit a lower-temp otter you'll have the fans coming on all the time when the car's not even at operating temperature, is that what you really want?
Whilst looking at the expansion tank, check the inlet/outlet pipe at the bottom as it's not unknown for it, and/or the hose, to become blocked with 'crud'.
If you fit a lower-temp otter you'll have the fans coming on all the time when the car's not even at operating temperature, is that what you really want?
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