8 replies to this topic

[IrishDave]

Hi all,

I have a query. I am building a 1992 SPI mini at the moment and it seems the Radiator I have is from the older Minis and doesn’t have a temp sensor switch for the wing mounted fan. There is nothing on the end of the radiator at all.
I was wondering if it’s a good idea to wire a switch back to the dashboard from them wires and just turn the fan off and on manually? Is that a good idea? Anytime I do a bit of a long journey I could turn it on. I’m guessing there are no disadvantages to having it on when it’s not needed?
Thanks

[sonscar]

Two problems spring to mind,forget to turn it on and cook the motor,forget to turn it off and flatten the battery.I would buy the proper radiator and I am tight fisted.Steve..

[nicklouse]

Doing a long journey and the fan would not be on. The engine gets hot when you stop moving forward. 
 

yes you could add a switch and warning light so you know it is on or as above get the correct radiator.

[humph]

Or find some room for something like this and a switch

 

https://www.carbuild...ne-housing-32mm

 

 

https://www.carbuild...c-m22-x15-brass

 

Or a switch to suit the operating regime you want.  I think from memory my spi fan come on at about 95 degrees, but I'm sure someone will know for sure.

 

https://www.carbuild...=true&orderBy=0

 

I'm assuming your car already has the wiring, will need extending, and the relay.

 

 

EDIT - All that said for the price of the correct radiator it's probably not worth the hassle messing with the above

 

http://www.minispare...er/GRD172.aspx?

0703&ReturnUrl=/search/classic/radiator.aspx|Back%20to%20search

 

http://www.minispare...|Back to search

Edited by humph, 19 January 2021 - 11:10 AM.

[whistler]

I have a radiator with the sensor fitted but I have wired the fan to a manual switch under my dashboard. I have used it twice on very hot days sat in stationary traffic on the motorway over the last 5 years. Under driving conditions it is not needed, the existing plastic fan copes well.

I only touch the sensor when I use it as a radiator drain.

[Carlos W]

My fan is on a manual switch.

You can switch it on in traffic when you know the engine is going to get warm.

Some will say with a properly set up engine, and serviced cooling system there should be no need, and they'll probably be right

[IrishDave]

Thank you for the reply everyone.

I will think about this but at the moment leaning towards the dash switch idea.
Thanks again

[GraemeC]

I have mine on a dash switch (one of the ones with an LED in the end so also acts as a warning lamp).  Just ensure you use a relay as those fans do have quite a heavy current draw which dash switches may not handle.

[JXC Mini GT]

My fan is on a manual switch.

You can switch it on in traffic when you know the engine is going to get warm.

Some will say with a properly set up engine, and serviced cooling system there should be no need, and they'll probably be right

I have a fan wired to a manual switch plus the standard plastic cooling fan, on the hottest day last year when I picked up the GT from Ben_O, with a newly reconditioned engine the car was getting a little hot, I fitted the manual switch with warning light for peace of mind.