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cooling system upgrade

Discussion in '308/328' started by parkerfe, Apr 15, 2004.

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  1. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

    Sep 4, 2001
    12,887
    Cumming, Georgia
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    Franklin E. Parker
    #1 parkerfe, Apr 15, 2004
    I replaced the OEM fan temp switch in my Boxer with one from Wahler that goes in a late 70s VW . The OEM switch turned the fans on at 86c(186f) and off at 76c(169f). The Wahler switch turns the fans on at 82c(180f) and off at 77c(170f). While that small amount may not sound like much, it makes a 10c difference in my cars engine temp in traffic! My car now barely gets to 90c even in Atlanta stop and go traffic. This Wahler switch will also work in a 308, 328 and Mondial.
     
  2. MondialTCab

    MondialTCab Formula 3

    Sep 5, 2001
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    Pacific Northwest
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    John Michael Gross
    #2 MondialTCab, Apr 15, 2004
    Sounds interesting...

    Does the Boxer have a secondary switch like I understand the Mondial T to have? That is, the coolant does not circulate the engine until a temperature is reached at the engine. I am thinking this aloud from memory but basically I guess I am asking if this is the case with the Boxer, do you think it will create issues at the secondary switch if there is one?

    - JMG
     
  3. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

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    Franklin E. Parker
    #3 parkerfe, Apr 15, 2004
    The Boxer, 308,328 and Mondial and probably other models all have a temp switch in the bottom of the radiator that turns the fans on once the water temp reaches 86c. Of course the water temp doesn't reach 86c until after the thermostat opens and allows fluid to flow from the engine into the radiator. The engine temp as indicated on the gauge will be hotter than that by then. With the Wahler switch, the fans come on at 82c which of course sends cooler fluid back to the engine sooner and thus prevents heat from building up while in stop and go traffic. On the highway it doesn't matter as the fans stay off as the fluid temp never reaches 82c anyway. The car's gauge measures the temp from a sensor on the engine itself whereas the fan switch is turned on/off by the temp of the fluid in the radiator tank itself , which on these cars are 6-8 feet apart. FYI, the Mahler switch is for a 1978/79 VW Rabbit diesel and can be bought at a VW dealer under VW part#823959481f for $16.57.
     
  4. MondialTCab

    MondialTCab Formula 3

    Sep 5, 2001
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    John Michael Gross
    #4 MondialTCab, Apr 15, 2004
    Sounds the same...I will have to dig into my workshop manual at home to see if this is the same scenario. Having the fan kick a little early would be nice up here in the summers. (I also wired a fan override into one of my dummy switches so I could flick them on in the event of the inevitable temp switch failure.)

    - JMG
     
  5. Ashman

    Ashman Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 Ashman, Apr 15, 2004
    Plus with the fan switch temperature sensor at the bottom of the radiator, it is measuring the water temp after it has been cooled by the radiator and is ready to go back into the block.

    John
     
  6. seschroeder

    seschroeder Formula Junior

    Apr 25, 2002
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    Alexandria, VA
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    Steve Schroeder
    #6 seschroeder, Apr 15, 2004
  7. Enzo

    Enzo F1 Rookie

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    Pat Pasqualini
    #7 Enzo, Apr 15, 2004
    I can't beleve what I'm seeing that Frank actually used a non-Ferrari part in his car I guess there goes the concurs.
     
  8. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

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    Franklin E. Parker
    #8 parkerfe, Apr 16, 2004
    FYI, Ferrari sourced the OEM fan switch from another company anyway.
     
  9. Enzo

    Enzo F1 Rookie

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    #9 Enzo, Apr 16, 2004
    Just yanking your chain Frank :)
     
  10. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

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    #10 parkerfe, Apr 16, 2004
    I know. But, I have never been against improving a Ferrari as long as it doesn't affect it's original looks and nature. So I would have no problem for example with rebuilding an engine with HP cams, ect., as long as the engine looked the same after the rebuild. What I don't like is people that put on different wheels, type tires, spoilers, turbos, seats and other aftermarket crap that spoils the beauty of the original design. I like the cars to look original as I believe they are the most beautify that way.
     
  11. Enzo

    Enzo F1 Rookie

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    #11 Enzo, Apr 16, 2004

    I agree with this train of thought to some extent. Being I have always been around older cars (50's through 70's) I like them stock (which also increases their value) but some cars do look better with some aftermarket rims or some other touch that adds personality to the car without destroying the original image of the car. In the end it is all up to the person putting the money out and if that is what they want they will pay for it (one way or another)
     
  12. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
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    Han Solo
    #12 Spasso, Apr 16, 2004
    Thanks for sharing the information Frank. The part number is a big help.
    The 25 year old thermal switch on my 308 finally crapped out completely a week ago. I am relying on the manual overide for city driving.
    I will be visiting VW shortly!
     
  13. Lsand007

    Lsand007 Karting

    Nov 4, 2003
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    Lee Sanders
    #13 Lsand007, Apr 17, 2004
    Hi Frank

    Got a couple of questions on this fan switch project.

    1. Correct to assume same temps and ranges for a BB? Do injected cars run in different temp ranges?

    2. How hard was it to change the switch? Big loss of fluids, pans everywhere, etc.? Time?

    3. How easy is it to get to the switch, how many panels come off, etc.?

    Thanks.


    Lee

    27001
     
  14. audionut

    audionut Formula Junior

    Apr 25, 2003
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    Adrian Low
    #14 audionut, Apr 18, 2004
    Great post Frank. Thanks for the heads up. BTW, could you post your impressions of your ownership of the TR and the Boxer? I am looking at one right now. How is the Boxer as far as air conditioning? I intend to drive it as much as possible in the Summer, and it gets really humid and hot here sometimes. Also, any consistent headaches with the car? Things to watch out for in PPIs? Thanks a mil.
     
  15. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

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    Franklin E. Parker
    #15 parkerfe, Apr 19, 2004
    With the BB512i the radiator has to be removed to change the switch which is a real pain. It is my understanding that the switch on the 308 and Mondial can be changed without radiator removal.
     

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