7 replies to this topic

[blackbelt1990]

Those of us with 90s minis know that the fan switch in the bottom of the radiator is useless. I’ve been through loads of them in the last 15 years or so.

I’m going to replace it with an inline one in the bottom radiator hose but I can’t decide what temp to use. I know it’ll rarely come on as I’ll still have the mechanical fan but I don’t want to over cool it!

The minispares one says it operates between 92 and 82 degrees, isn’t this a little low considering the car has an 88 degree thermostat?

Edited by blackbelt1990, 14 April 2025 - 07:12 PM.

[blackbelt1990]

Or do I just move the standard one 🤔 they’re not mega reliable.

Edited by blackbelt1990, 14 April 2025 - 07:45 PM.

[brivinci]

I would buy a new rad that replaces the old temp sensor with the screw in type you have listed above. I bought mine from Spares ages ago and the sensor has worked without issue. Also keeps the wiring in the same place. Not hacking or the need to add additional things that could fail.

[nicklouse]

It where you put it and how you use the engine. Before the heater return I would have the fan coming on around 90 degrees.

 

now you want to ask the question as to what those temp number actually mean.

 

i am guessing the first number is when it turns the fan on, and the second is when it would turn the fan off.

[brivinci]

That is usually what the numbers mean, and I know it is the case for the one sold by Spares.

[viz139]

My Equinox with 90K on it appears to be on its original switch and hasn't given any trouble in the 12 years I have it so can't say its unreliable. I don't know which in line adapter you plan on using but its location in the bottom hose is going to be awkward to work on and has the potential for leaks. I run the two core rad and screw in switch on my turbo and can highly recommend it , it is probably the easiest and most reliable option you have.

[NLinPEN]

i am guessing the first number is when it turns the fan on, and the second is when it would turn the fan off.

That's exactly what the text on the Minispares screenshot for C-ARA4445 in the opening post says: on @ 92C, off @ 82C.

[KTS]

if you do go down the inline fitting route, and don't mind investing in another bottom hose, you can use the top half for the bottom section which gives the heater takeoff as a very convenient point to drain the coolant