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Kelowe Thermostat
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 9:25 pm
by alanworland
I have a Kenlowe fan fitted controlled by the Kenlowe thermostat where the bulb is inserted into the top hose fitting through one of those silicone pipe sealing type things that fits in the joint.
It all works ok but I find the silicone seal piece will gradually squeeze itself out! and hence start to leak.
I have had a look on Kenlowes web site because I thought they were now doing a contact type thermostat? so didn't breach the seals any where, but I cant see anything.
Does anyone know of or got one of these thermostat units?
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:14 pm
by mike.perry
Can you make a fitting in the header tank or the raised boss on the cylinder head behind the thermostat?
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:24 pm
by alanworland
Probably could use either, but I need the adjustable thermostat to be able to do that! I have in mind a surface contact thermostat, with perhaps thermal paste in the joint, but it would need to be adjustable so I could set the 'on' temperature of the fan.
Might have to give Kenlowe a call - if they do it, it will be expensive!
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:43 pm
by bmcecosse
I would just use an ON/OFF switch and take control! Let's face it - it's mostly going to be OFF!
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:35 pm
by alanworland
I have an override switch and your right it is mostly off, but it's just nice to get things right!
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 6:45 am
by M25VAN
Is this what you are looking for? I couldn't find it on the Kenlowe site but it looks like an 'external' probe that fits to the radiator.
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http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/ ... LFKLM2150S
If so how about one with an over temperature alarm as well.
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http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/ ... KLFKLM2460
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 7:15 am
by RogerRust
I have fitted the revotec kit to my MG. The thermostat is fitted inline in the radiator hose, expensive but much more professional. You'll find them on the web.
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 9:55 am
by Stig
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 12:46 pm
by alanworland
M25VAN/Stig28, Thats the sort of thing although I didn't realise the probe stuck through the fins!
The revotec kit looks professional but the top hose on the sidevalve is very short - probably only about 2 1/2 inches between the ends of the stubs,although I suppose it could fit in the bottom hose?
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 1:33 pm
by bmcecosse
No! The water there is cold - coming out of the rad - so would 'never' switch on.
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 1:41 pm
by alanworland
But, if the water going through the rad is insufficiently cooled it would be 'hotter' than normal. The thermostat would need to be set to this 'abnormally high' temperature so turning the fan on and dropping the output temperature of the rad. I agree the water out of the rad would be a lot cooler than the water going in, but it would still go through a thermal cycle able to operate a thermostat.
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 1:43 pm
by bmcecosse
If the thermostat can be set low enough - but I suspect the top will be 'boiling' before the bottom hose gets hot enough.
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 1:51 pm
by alanworland
I didn't want to fit it there, but if the thermostat goes to low enough temps it could be fitted, and monitor temperature 'cycles'
But I would much rather fit it at the 'hot' end
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 9:23 pm
by M25VAN
Would you mind having your radiator modified? I had a fitting soldered in the top of mine that took a standard switch sensor. It wasn't adjustable but was reliable at switching on and off when it had cooled things down suffciently.
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 9:32 pm
by Jefftav
I have my probe in the top of the radiator poking through the fins and it seems to work OK in this position.
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 11:11 pm
by alanworland
M25VAN, I did toy with the idea of this, but I do like the option of adjusting the temperature at which it turns the fan on.
Jefftav, Is this the Kenlowe one? and if so how long is the probe? (the bit that goes through the rad fins)
Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 10:17 am
by Jefftav
The kenlowe probe is about 4in long and comes supplied with pads and special clips to secure it to the radiator. The kenlowe controller supplied with the fan is also adjustable. The instructions aren't very clear but it seems to switch on about 90deg and my guage isn't that accurate but runs for approx 5mins and switches off again (bear in mind my car is on stands being restored so this might be no good for the road). 90 seems to be the lowest setting and you can adjust it up the way. In Kenlowes instructions they tell you not fit the probe into the top hose as it might cause damage?
I think Car Builder Solutions
http://www.nfauto.co.uk/ offer different options and they also seem quite knowledgeable so maybe give there website a look over.
Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 1:43 pm
by alanworland
I was trying not to go to the 'stick in the fins' probe but The web site you gave does a thermostat for about £24 + vat - what a good site!
Thanks
Kenlow thermostat
Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 11:13 pm
by fsk658
Hi, I am in the proccess of fitting a fan switch into the top of the thermostat housing for my 1957 4 door saloon. I tapped a piece of alluminium and used frosts ally weld rods to weld it into the housing. But after drilling the hole in the housing there should be enough thickness to tap a 22x 1.5 thread without all that extra effort. This thread size is standard to most modern fan switches. revotec do an adjustable fan switch with this size thread that would just screw in. I have a simular set up on my Pick up which has been working for the past 2 years, but I used a second hand fixed temp switch from the breakers. I did fit an override switch if needed.<br>

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Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 10:45 am
by RogerRust
That's a really neat solution to the problem. Well done!