Metro radiator fan switch
Turbo Mini Forums

Mk1 so inlet/outlet at same end but which is which ???

The fan switch goes into one half of the header but should the radiator be orientated so the switch is at the bottom (where it would point forwards) so be measuring the return temperature, or flip the radiator the other way so it's in the top (pointing backwards) and measuring inlet temperature.

The radiator is 100% symettrical in all respects apart from the fan switch so I can't work it out........

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Fan switch is always on the drivers side of the car and the in/outlets on the passenger side.

Should be at the top according to the diagrams i've found, pretty sure i've fitted mine at the bottom though :( apbellamy the switch and outlets are all on the passenger side on these rads.

Actually just checked i have fitted it the right way (switch at the top i mean) :)

Edited by t3gav on 21st May, 2010.

Hmmmm.....

Not on this one,



Strange.

I've dug out my old Haynes for the Metro and it shows - as far as you can trust their sketches - it in the top, but going in from the end,not front or back.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Thanks Gavin, I didn't see your reply while I was uploading the photo.

I've also check the Intermotor database and the switch is 90-95C so top it is...

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Strange, never seen one like that, what fan switch does it use? Mine uses a mini one (GVS104).

Edited by t3gav on 21st May, 2010.

My memory must be going in my old age

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

I've had one with a cap like that. Same sensor, just a different way of holding it in.

Does that fork come off? Maybe it slides in over the switch?

Yes, I was having a blonde moment....



It had been in the box so long it looked like one piece....... (well that's my excuse).

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

:)

don't forget the rubber seal between the sensor and the rad...

Yes, the old switches I have should still have the seals on them (once I can find them) or a whole switch/seal is only £7.50 on eBay.


But I'm screwed........

Because the switch comes in from the back (now we've confirmed it belongs on the hot header), unlike Gavin's in from the end, it fouls the alternator.

If I move the rad to the left or right to make the switch avoid the alternator, the Metro hoses don't fit......

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Cant you block the hole up and use an electric fan controller that goes in the top hose etc? Probably not worth the expense/hassle when you can get a new rad for £30 though. Saying that looking at this pic you should have enough room.

Edited by t3gav on 21st May, 2010.

Looks like you have three choices:

- Put one of Matty's small alternators on.
- get an inline fan switch in the top hose, which might be difficult with your hose lengths.
- find a rad with the switch in the side.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

I'm sure you could move it an inch to the right and use some 90 degree silicone hose and get it to fit.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Get a MK 2 metro rad and use the long top hose. The sender is on the drivers side then.

I did consider that initially (before I bought the MK1) as I have all the hoses from two scrapped Metros but the top stub points inwards (backwards) so the hose routing would obstruct some of my intender airflows associated with the intercooler.

Ordered a Fiat one now.....

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Can you re-design the top alternator mount? The alternator could be mounted as per the standard alternator If the mounting tap is narrowed (to ensure the belt is straight) and the main cylindrical body if ground down to clear the block. This will allow you to shorten the bottom mount (assuming it is possible, I can't see it in the pic) and bring the alternator further from the rad. It will require a shorter belt too.

Am I missing something, as that seems like an easy solution but hasn't been mentioned?

EDIT: Never mind, I see you have ordered a Fiat one. The fan switch position won't cause any issues with one of those

Edited by GaryOS on 21st May, 2010.

On 12th Nov, 2009 Paul S said:

I think Gary OS has taken over my role as the forum smart arse