Otter switch

PostPost by: lottex » Tue Aug 14, 2018 3:38 pm

I've recently acquired an Elan Sprint with an as yet unfitted custom made updated aluminium rad made to the same dimensions as the original , i.e. It bolts to the existing mounting plates with the original fan which works fine. Wherever possible, I prefer to keep things looking as original as possible. I fully appreciate that an after market fan is the way to go but what to do re the otter switch? I just love the way that the original installation always has a cable tie holding it in place....!
As per the original ? or if not, where's the best place for it? -Or an aftermarket mod
Thanks in advance for your thoughts...
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PostPost by: billwill » Tue Aug 14, 2018 4:13 pm

I would suggest getting a proper thermostatic switch and fitting it in an aluminium tube inserted half way along the upper cooling pipe. You can get such tubes with the proper threaded boss in the centre.

My fan switch is in a Ford upper thermostat housing discussed recently on this forum, but mine required a right angle bend in the upper coolant pipe.
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PostPost by: JimE » Tue Aug 14, 2018 4:22 pm

This is what Lotus fitted on the +2 right at the end of production but probably doesn't help with the Sprint. Jim
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PostPost by: CBUEB1771 » Tue Aug 14, 2018 4:58 pm

lottex wrote:I just love the way that the original installation always has a cable tie holding it in place....!


The cable tie is not original, just something that most owners do. I use safety wire. If the grommet is fresh and pliable the Otter switch stays in place, although it certainly does look tenuous. The bracket posted by JimE should work on a Sprint as well as a +2, just don't know where you would get one, not too difficult to clone. If you retain the Otter switch and go to a modern fan will higher airflow you will need to insert a relay in the circuit to take the current load off of the Otter switch, it wo' last long otherwise.
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PostPost by: lottex » Tue Aug 14, 2018 6:47 pm

Many thanks for the input. So either a thermostat tswitch-I notice that Kenlowe no longer supply after market products, I also noticed an ad for cooling kits by Revotec- just in case anybody's had an experience with them ?
Or plan B I cut a similar hole in the new Ali rad for the original spec otter switch with a new grommet. Just in case anybody knows the exact diameter...?!
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PostPost by: MarkDa » Wed Aug 15, 2018 6:47 am

Otter switches are available.
Paul Matty could probably advise on correct hole size and current capacity bit expect to use a relay for modern high volume fans.
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PostPost by: alan.barker » Wed Aug 15, 2018 8:36 am

JimE wrote:This is what Lotus fitted on the +2 right at the end of production but probably doesn't help with the Sprint. Jim

That's news to me, never seen a bracket like that. The last August 1973 +2S130/4 didn't have that and it was all original, i was the 4th owner.
What's the Lotus Part n? for it :?:
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PostPost by: types26/36 » Wed Aug 15, 2018 9:36 am

lottex wrote:Or plan B I cut a similar hole in the new Ali rad for the original spec otter switch with a new grommet. Just in case anybody knows the exact diameter...?!

The workshop manual gives the hole size as 27/32" assuming that that the Otter switches have not changed diameters.
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PostPost by: MarkDa » Wed Aug 15, 2018 9:57 am

If all else fails - read the instructions!
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PostPost by: lottex » Wed Aug 15, 2018 11:29 pm

Fantastic! installation successful & working perfectly. Thanks to you all.
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PostPost by: alan.barker » Thu Aug 16, 2018 6:46 am

I hope that you put silicon sealant on it and also attached it with "ty-wraps".
If not it will leak and pop out when the Engine is hot and leave you stranded with no coolant :shock:
Imho the best Temp Sender that Lotus fitted was on 1970 +2S which screwed into a Boss on the Rad. Which could be adjusted for the cut in and cut out Temp as in the +2 Workshop Manuel.
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PostPost by: lottex » Thu Aug 16, 2018 9:12 am

Thanks for the advice, had already taken all precautions....!
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PostPost by: MarkDa » Thu Aug 16, 2018 9:53 am

I see on other forums that Otter do a spring clip that holds the switch into the rubber thereby holding it all together.
Tbey claim on their website that the push in switch is good for 40 psi as a push fit.
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PostPost by: pereirac » Thu Aug 16, 2018 10:52 am

Never had a problem with my Otter switch falling out or any leaks, I now have a Kenlow thermostat and do suffer the occasional 'Kenlow drip'!

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PostPost by: alan.barker » Thu Aug 16, 2018 12:10 pm

Hi Carl,
with the Kenlow Thermostat that slides inside the Rad bottom Hose there is a shaped bit of plastic so it should seal correctly. Having said that i always put silicon to make sure :wink:
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