328 Condenser Fan Thermo Switch | FerrariChat

328 Condenser Fan Thermo Switch

Discussion in '308/328' started by surfdwn, Apr 19, 2022.

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  1. surfdwn

    surfdwn Karting

    Sep 28, 2005
    128
    Freeport, Fl
    #1 surfdwn, Apr 19, 2022
    My A/C has had a variety of issues. I got everything working, but the condenser fan would not come on, even with 12V applied directly to the fan wires, so I decided to upgrade to one of the SPAL fans I read about on FC.

    When I replaced the fan, I noticed the thermo switch in series with the fan. Mine was tie wrapped to one of the condenser pipes, but it had slipped and was hanging in free space.

    I went ahead and removed it and installed the new fan. I then tested the switch and found it to function correctly. The fan now comes on as soon as the compressor does.

    Is this switch necessary? I assume it's purpose is to let the system get up to temp before turning on the fan, but the implementation of the switch was poor, if that is from the factory.
     
  2. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 7, 2012
    3,322
    Tallahassee, FL
    #2 thorn, Apr 19, 2022
    One of the fans has a thermo switch related to the radiator temp; the other turns on with the compressor.
     
  3. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    25,145
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    #3 Steve Magnusson, Apr 19, 2022
    It's maybe more appropriate to say that its purpose is to run the AC condensor fan only when its needed (and not run it when it might be helping to ice up the evaporator). When the coachwork is moving at any reasonable speed (and it's not super hot out), the AC condensor fan probably isn't needed.

    Having this thermoswitch "tie-wrapped" to the AC Condensor outlet pipe is a bit cheesy/hackery, and really can't work correctly as it can't keep it in intimate, forceful contact to the metal pipe -- the stock attachment is a "spring" metal clip that works well to keep it in intimate contact always under force:

    https://www.ferrariparts.co.uk/part/ferrari/61942400
     
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  4. surfdwn

    surfdwn Karting

    Sep 28, 2005
    128
    Freeport, Fl
    #4 surfdwn, Apr 20, 2022
    Thanks so much. I have ordered the clip and will reinstall the thermo switch.
     
  5. Freddie328

    Freddie328 Formula Junior

    Jul 29, 2013
    294
    Herts, UK
    Full Name:
    Richard
    #5 Freddie328, Apr 20, 2022
    The switch was originally held on with a metal clip. When you fit the clip use some heat sink paste to get good thermal contact between switch and pipe. The switch measures the refrigerant temperature and switches the fan on as required.
    As Steve said, the fan isn't required when moving as the natural flow of air through the condenser will keep the refrigerant condensing.
     
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  6. surfdwn

    surfdwn Karting

    Sep 28, 2005
    128
    Freeport, Fl
    #6 surfdwn, Apr 20, 2022
    I had planned on using the paste. I just used some on the heat sink for the blower transistor I replaced.
     
  7. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    34,103
    Austin TX
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #7 Rifledriver, Apr 20, 2022
    He was talking about a 328 condenser fan, not 308 radiator fans. System is all different.
     
    mike996, MFlanagan, thorn and 1 other person like this.

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