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Radiator Fan Switch

Discussion in '308/328' started by 2RedCars, Feb 14, 2015.

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  1. 2RedCars

    2RedCars Karting

    Sep 6, 2014
    178
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Tim
    #1 2RedCars, Feb 14, 2015
    Can anyone tell me what the part number is for a '87 328 radiator fan switch. It appears that mine has died. I did the once a month start today to get some heat into the car and just let it run for a while. The water temp got up to around 210 but the radiator fans never turned on. I'm thinking the easiest fix is to replace the fan switch, but need the part number and any advice on changing it. I think it's located on the upper right hand side of the radiator. Correct?
     
  2. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2006
    15,808
    Cerritos, CA.
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    Mike
    #2 miketuason, Feb 14, 2015
    Should be under the "Sticky"
     
  3. Ferrari328GT

    Ferrari328GT Karting

    Jan 6, 2008
    232
    Phoenix, Arizona
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #3 Ferrari328GT, Feb 14, 2015
    The fan switch on my '86 328GTS is located just inboard of the RH lower radiator hose, and has two wires going to it. Cost from Ferrari is about $55, but is identical to the switch in my old '92 Alfa Spider. Same Veglia numbers on both. Cost is $9.50 here:

    Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia Temperature Sending Units

    I've had one of these in my car for about five years and performs correctly. HTH

    Steve
     
  4. 2RedCars

    2RedCars Karting

    Sep 6, 2014
    178
    Northern Virginia
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    Tim
    #4 2RedCars, Feb 14, 2015
    Great thanks.
     
  5. JohnnyTS

    JohnnyTS Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2012
    907
    Pretoria East, RSA
    Full Name:
    John
    #5 JohnnyTS, Feb 15, 2015
    yes, the VW part also works, 1980's to 90's VW microbus and/or VW Golf/Jetta mk2.

    rdgs
    J
     
  6. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,549
    San Carlos, CA
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    Mitchell Le
    #6 yelcab, Feb 15, 2015
    fuse, relay, and short out the switch connector. Did any of that work?
     
  7. JohnnyTS

    JohnnyTS Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2012
    907
    Pretoria East, RSA
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    John
    #7 JohnnyTS, Feb 15, 2015
    check if the fuse is blown if not, short out the fan switch terminal connectors, if the fans starts turning then it's most likely a faulty fan switch unit, you can use a flat or ring spanner to turn out and replace with new...
     
  8. 2RedCars

    2RedCars Karting

    Sep 6, 2014
    178
    Northern Virginia
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    Tim
    #8 2RedCars, Feb 15, 2015
    I'm going to do some trouble shooting today.
    First, short the relay contact with a jumper wire, next the fuse.
     
  9. JohnnyTS

    JohnnyTS Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2012
    907
    Pretoria East, RSA
    Full Name:
    John
    #9 JohnnyTS, Feb 15, 2015
    Tim, you can just pull off the the wire ( lugs ) from the fan switch and touch them together 'bridge out ' to see if fans engage, if they do you know you have a faulty fan switch..
     
  10. 2RedCars

    2RedCars Karting

    Sep 6, 2014
    178
    Northern Virginia
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    Tim
    #10 2RedCars, Feb 15, 2015
    Thanks, I'll try that first.
     
  11. 2RedCars

    2RedCars Karting

    Sep 6, 2014
    178
    Northern Virginia
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    Tim
    #11 2RedCars, Feb 15, 2015
    Troubleshooting complete, using JohnnyTS's method. Bad Radiator Fan Switch and thanks to Steve aka Ferrari328GTS I have the part to order.
    Thanks everyone!
     
  12. AaronMeisner

    AaronMeisner Formula Junior

    Jul 15, 2014
    267
    Baltimore MD USA
    Full Name:
    Aaron Meisner
    #12 AaronMeisner, Feb 16, 2015
    I ordered a thermostatically controlled switch from Summit Racing for ~$25. It has a knob that allows you to decide exactly at what temp you want the fans to come on. And you can leave the old switch in place and avoid draining the coolant.
     
  13. 2RedCars

    2RedCars Karting

    Sep 6, 2014
    178
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Tim
    #13 2RedCars, Mar 23, 2015
    Here's an update on the fan switch replacement.
    It turns out that the fan switch was good. The problem was that the cooling system was not filled and bled correctly. There was a bubble of high pressure air trapped in the radiator and by removing and replacing the switch, I inadvertently bled out the air and fixed the problem.
    The new fan switch opens at 195F, and I just tested the switch I removed and it opened right at 195F.
     

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