Anyone found a cross reference for 355 radiator fan thermo-switch? (left radiator)

Blew a left side radiator fan fuse today, which is telling me it is time to replace both fans (there are a number of threads that as the fans age, their start up current increases, and they will frequently blow fuses and stress the fuse panel from heat), so will be ordering from www.the-fan-man.com (thanks No Doubt! ). Only $117 each versus $700 or there about from Ferrari. Figure I should go ahead and replace the thermo-switch as long as I have the wheel and fender liner off, so before I call our friend Daniel at Ricambi America, has anyone found a suitable replacement that fits? (I figure the shipping will equal the cost of the switch) I know on the 308/328 it is the same as the VW Rabbit/Golf. Anyone?

 

Okay, if no one has found one, I guess it would be easiest to simply drop by Ferrari of Seattle and pick up an oem one...thanks guys.

 

Where did you obtain this switch?

BTW, the right side (passenger) radiator fan is controlled by the Motronic (assuming 2.7 works similarly to 5.2). It uses the water temperature sensor located adjacent to the oil filter housing (just to the right of the oil filter). Since the turn on temp is imbedded in the Motronic, there is no simple way to alter the turn on temp for the right side radiator.

The left side (drivers) radiator is controlled by a thermo switch screwed into the top of the left radiator. If a thermoswitch of a lower temperature rating is available, the absolutely that could be done. I would weigh that option, with the consideration that the fan is likely to run more frequently, and wear more quickly too...

 

Okay, sounds like he moved the circuit out of the fuse panel, a good move, as there is a known problem with the radiator fans (due to the fan motors running excessive current as they age) melting stuff. Sounds like he may also have modified the circuit so both fan motors are tripped by the left radiator thermo-switch...and he installed a lower temp switch to boot. He wired it differently too, as they are not supposed to come on when you turn the ignition off, not that this is a bad thing to have them run after shut down.
Interesting.

The factory switch is only $24 or so...$22 from Ricambi. I am uncertain a lower temp is required, as the cars don't overheat if everything is working.

 

Good info just the same. Your tech certainly knows the 355 well. He is surely saving you from ever having to worry about buying a new fuse box from a melt down.