Author Topic: Radiator temp switch (Read 3831 times)

Vladi · « **on:** March 03, 2008, 01:35:09 PM »

All of us who have a/c have the double temp switch on the right side of the radiator. The E30 one is 91/99.
My engine came from a 318Ti. I've checked the codes and i found out that on the 318Ti the double temp switch is 80/88 and on almost any other e36 it's 91/99. I've posted a list with the models that came with the 80/88 switch...maybe the cars that had the 80/88 switch didn't have a viscous fan?

D. Clay · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2008, 05:12:03 PM »

On my car the upper right corner of the radiator is the coolest spot. This has been true with the old and new radiators and two switches that I have also tested. The 80/88 temperature switch doesn't kick in until the car is too hot.
The 80/88 switch doesn't activate in normal operation with OEM fan, shroud, and clutch - only with the A/C. I don't really trust it enough to rely on it alone for cooling. The important factor is engine temperature, not radiator temperature. I would put a temp switch in the head or thermostat housing if I was using an electric fan by itself. Maybe it's just my car or radiator but as I mentioned, I have had the same situation with two radiators and two switches.

tjts1 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2008, 05:34:55 PM »

Quote from: Vladi;44037

I've posted a list with the models that came with the 80/88 switch...maybe the cars that had the 80/88 switch didn't have a viscous fan?

Yup. M42 cars had clutch fan with 91/99 switch for the aux fan, M44 cars only had electric fan behind the radiator with 80/88 switch.

Quote from: D. Clay;44057

On my car the upper right corner of the radiator is the coolest spot. This has been true with the old and new radiators and two switches that I have also tested. The 80/88 temperature switch doesn't kick in until the car is too hot.
The 80/88 switch doesn't activate in normal operation with OEM fan, shroud, and clutch - only with the A/C. I don't really trust it enough to rely on it alone for cooling. The important factor is engine temperature, not radiator temperature. I would put a temp switch in the head or thermostat housing if I was using an electric fan by itself. Maybe it's just my car or radiator but as I mentioned, I have had the same situation with two radiators and two switches.

The 80/88 switch in the radiator activates my fan right at the 1/2 point. on the temp gauge. Its the perfect temperature.

Vladi · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2008, 06:01:27 PM »

I've also found out that the 316Ti had a 80/99 switch with no viscous fan.

I just ordered it, I'll pick it up tomorrow...hopefully that will ease my life without the clutch fan. I've also got the "tropical" version radiator and the front grill for the a/c version.
Right now i've got the 91/99 switch which doesn't kick in even when the water reaches the next mark after 1/2. :eek:

Vladi · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2008, 03:16:01 PM »

Correction, i returned the 80/99 switch and bought the 80/88 one. :p