Otter switch
17 posts
• Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
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...
As per the original ? or if not, where's the best place for it? -Or an aftermarket mod
Thanks in advance for your thoughts...
- lottex
- Second Gear
- Posts: 57
- Joined: 27 Oct 2004
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.
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.
Bill Williams
36/6725 S3 Coupe OGU108E Yellow over Black.
36/6725 S3 Coupe OGU108E Yellow over Black.
- billwill
- Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 5060
- Joined: 19 Apr 2008
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.
Russ Newton
Elan +2S (1971)
Elite S2 (1962)
Elan +2S (1971)
Elite S2 (1962)
-
CBUEB1771 - Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 1684
- Joined: 09 Nov 2006
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...?!
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...?!
- lottex
- Second Gear
- Posts: 57
- Joined: 27 Oct 2004
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
Alan
Alan.b Brittany 1972 elan sprint fhc Lagoon Blue 0460E
- alan.barker
- Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 3681
- Joined: 06 Dec 2008
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.
Brian
64 S2 Roadster
72 Sprint FHC
64 S2 Roadster
72 Sprint FHC
-
types26/36 - Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 3872
- Joined: 11 Sep 2003
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
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.
Alan
If not it will leak and pop out when the Engine is hot and leave you stranded with no coolant
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.
Alan
Alan.b Brittany 1972 elan sprint fhc Lagoon Blue 0460E
- alan.barker
- Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 3681
- Joined: 06 Dec 2008
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'!
Carl
Carl
-
pereirac - Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 1135
- Joined: 01 Oct 2003
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
Alan
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
Alan
Alan.b Brittany 1972 elan sprint fhc Lagoon Blue 0460E
- alan.barker
- Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 3681
- Joined: 06 Dec 2008
17 posts
• Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
Total Online:
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 31 guests