temp switch vs. temp sensor: difference?

[LaGrasta]

In my attempt to stop using the feeble looking adjustable temp switch that controls my electric fan, i installed a thermostat housing with a bung for a temp switch. Once installed, it doesn't work.
I went to an electrician friend and after a few test was told my switch wasn't working and suggested I may have installed a sensor instead.
After some internet work and a parts run, it would seem a temp switch and temp sensor may be exactly the same. Is this true? What next?

 

[rbohm]

8) a sensor is used for a gauge, a switch is used for a light. the switch is either on or off, the sensor has an internal variable resistor that adjusts the resistance to electrical flow to ground. there are temp switches available for your electric fan control. check with summit racing as they carry them.

 

[Patrick66]

where did you find the thermostat housing, that seems like it would be a lot more accurate than the probe sticking in my radiator fins.

 

[LaGrasta]

I bought this one as it's stock for a '79 6 cylinder Granada with an electric fan.
http://www.autozone.com/R,1965451/vehic ... Detail.htm

Should it not do?

 

[LaGrasta]

where did you find the thermostat housing, that seems like it would be a lot more accurate than the probe sticking in my radiator fins.

I bought it on ebay, but I believe Napa has new ones for less than $10. Just punch up any later model 6 cylinder.

 

[69.5Mav]

Lock at the add again. Under Application it says With Gauge. I think you got the wrong one.

 

[jamyers]

Lock at the add again. Under Application it says With Gauge. I think you got the wrong one.

Yup. Partsmonkeys call anything electrical a "switch". This would we the one you're looking for - except that it won't turn the fan on until the engine is overheating, since it's for turning on the dummy light.

That's not what you want.

Look at summit or jegs for a "Thermal Fan Switch" like this (turns on at 180, off at 175 - which seems a bit cool for me, it'd be "bouncing" off a 180 T-stat)

 

[LaGrasta]

i found this one for only $13, but they need almost that much to ship it!

http://autoloc.carshopinc.com/product_i ... 9239/ZFSWF

Isn't there a similar product at the local Auto Parts Store?

 

[l3n]

I'm using this one.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetai ... =DER-16749


It's adjustable, which is handy.

 

[jamyers]

i found this one for only $13, but they need almost that much to ship it!

http://autoloc.carshopinc.com/product_i ... 9239/ZFSWF

Isn't there a similar product at the local Auto Parts Store?

Yes, but you'll need to look in the parts books to check the on/off temp specs. IIRC, there's one for a GM (90's 350 V8) that comes on at 190 and off at 180. Also, note that the one-pole switches usually complete the ground of the relay's switching circuit, not the hot side.

 

[jamyers]

Got it. CarQuest part number TS87, on 190 off 180. Fits GM, don't know about Ford.

I'll bet ya a cold one that 10 minutes looking in AutoZone's parts books and you'll find exactly the one you need, and it'll prolly cost you under $20.

 

[65coupei6]

More expensive but this is what I am using.

http://www.derale.com/adjust-fan-controller.html

edit: l3n just noticed your post

Vintage Air also has one that screws into the radiator drain.

 

[Billr57]

This is what I'm using it's a little more pricer, but works very nice......

SPAL Fan Accessory

Part Number: FAN-PWM-V3
Description: Automatic Programmable Fan Controller
Retail Price: $164.95


This water resistant controller is programmable, and will read almost all OEM and Aftermarket sensors on the market.

- Designed for fans up to 30 Amp draw
- User defined infinitely variable temp settings
- Multiple easy to program default settings
- Soft start turn on for reduced currrent draw
- Built in connectors and finned aluminum case
- Operates on 12 or 24 volt systems
- LED indicators and external status output wire
- Onboard dianostics and error code reporting
- Lower fan operating noise

http://www.spalusa.com/

 

[LaGrasta]

Got it. CarQuest part number TS87, on 190 off 180. Fits GM, don't know about Ford.

I'll bet ya a cold one that 10 minutes looking in AutoZone's parts books and you'll find exactly the one you need, and it'll prolly cost you under $20.

Now you're talking! The search is on!

 

[jahearne]

I'm using this one and it works great.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetai ... toview=sku

It's a two post 185 degree switch from Painless. I used the single post the last time and it failed after about 2 months.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetai ... toview=sku

Either way, they both fit the thermostat housing for the 250.

Good luck,

 

[LaGrasta]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I found one at CarQuest for our Fords, 3/8 threads, part number TS-76, but the knuckleheads wanted over $40 for it! That is crazy so I called and ordered another from elsewhere at half the price, even with shipping. The downside is I have to wait for it to be delivered.

In my research I never found a part at the local auto parts store that will work.

 

[LaGrasta]

here's the best deal you can find:

http://www.freewebs.com/luckysrodandkustom/index.htm

they are not listed on the website, but this company sells 3/8" temperature switches for 15$ each shipped. On @ 200 off @ 180.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/show ... tch&page=2

 

[Williboy]

La Grasta
What's the temp on/off on that switch.
I plugged that part number onto Napa's online page and it came up w/ 12 units from $11 -$33. but no specs.

 

[LaGrasta]

La Grasta
What's the temp on/off on that switch.
I plugged that part number onto Napa's online page and it came up w/ 12 units from $11 -$33. but no specs.

if you're speaking of the CarQuest part, i don't know. As for the one I bought from Lucky's Rod and Kustom, it's on @ 200 and off @ 180.

 

[mustangsilly]

I put a electric fan on my 66 200. I put the sensor in a brass t-fitting where the heater hose fitting comes out of the water pump (it just raised the heater hose about an inch) and ran the wire along the block and through the coil wire bracket and into my loom and back to the relay. It works great and didn't require taking the thermostat housing off or buying a special housing.