Date:         Sun, 22 May 2011 22:09:59 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Install of tencentlife External Oil Cooler
Comments: To: Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <1306119295.1891.840.camel@TheJackUbuntuNetbook>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

O

> Now I'm thinking I want to install a temperature-operated switch and a
> fan to force air through the cooler when the van is working hard but not
> moving very fast. Like climbing up long, steep desert grades at 4,000
> rpm in first gear.
>
> Not sure where to put a thermal switch or what to use.
>
> --
> Rocky J Squirrel
> '84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
> '74 Westrailia: (Ladybug Trailer company, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
> Bend, OR
> KG6RCR
>
  You can use a fan- type  thermal switch, probably one from our vendors,
even..like the one on your radiator. The switch cares not whether it is in
oil or coolant...  You will need to get some sort of a "T" fitting that will
place the switch into the oil flow.  Hook the switch up to relay that
controls a fan (I use Spal fans from BAT..Google them, (British American
Transfer, maybe?) they have all the oil cooling fittings you can imagine) in
concert with your cooler....I prefer a manual switch which allows
'pre-cooling' when you approach a climb or are stuck in traffic, or stopped
on the starting grid of the racetrack (probably won't happen, that, in a
Vanagon)  The manual switch also allowed me to make certain the fan actually
worked, before it was needed...When underway, you probably won't be able to
hear the fan.   All the cooler in the world won't help if it has poor air
flow.  A fan on the oil rad will really make a difference.  You can also use
a manual switch to cool things down if you have a stop following a high load
situation....Like the overlook at the top of a mountain,
  Don Hanson