Date:         Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:18:22 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Radiator thermo switch
Comments: To: ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET
In-Reply-To:  <4812820.442923.1347996619683.JavaMail.root@vznit170176>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 03:30 PM 9/18/2012, David Bjorkman wrote:
>Anyway, unless someone thinks otherwise and can enlighten me, I am
>assuming it is the radiator thermo switch.  Haven't looked yet, but
>can I trust a FLAPS switch (if avaliable, to save me a wait for the
>mail), or should I go right to one of our friendlu, helpful vendors?

Hi David,

a) Relax, it's not a big deal.  If it runs on high speed...that's
what high speed is for.  They went to a lot of trouble to put a
honking big fan motor in there so it would run when needed.  Your
engine thermostat (at least the WBX one) hasn't even fully opened
when the high speed fan comes on.

b) Easy test for the thermo switch - unplug it (have to take off one
of the grilles, lower one IIRC) and use a paper clip to jumper
between pairs of terminals on the connector. The high speed is on a
relay, so you won't burn your fingers.  If you get two speeds, then
it's the switch.  If you don't, then it's probably the
speed-regulating resistor (mounted behind the left headlight, I've been told).

c) I got a switch from NAPA that was well made, I think may have been
a German brand inside a NAPA or Echlin or similar box, has worked
fine for three years now.  Obviously I haven't had it apart to
compare internal construction with the original.

Yours,
David