Re: alfa-digest V8 #64 - Overheating Spider

[AlfaNeely@domain.elided]

Bill,
       Putting the Milano sending unit in the spider cooling fan circuit is a 
good idea.  However, putting it on top of the head it will measure the engine 
coolant temperature at the hottest point in the system.  It would be better 
to put it in the bottom radiator tank.  If the coolant is cool enough at the 
point, the fan is not needed.
       A competent radiator shop should be able to solder a fitting on the 
bottom tank for the sending unit.  I am not sure what to suggest as a source 
for the fitting, however.  I suspect that the Milano radiator tanks are 
plastic so you could not cut up one of those for the fitting.

Ciao,
Russ Neely
Oklahoma City



In a message dated 09/20/2001 3:07:40 PM Central Daylight Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:


> Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 11:35:42 -0400
> From: "Bill Bain" <bill_bain@domain.elided>
> Subject: Re: Overheating Spider
> 
> On my '83, the A/C fan is controlled by a temperature sensor that's 
> attached 
> to the fan shroud and hangs out into the airflow from the fan attached to 
> the waterpump. I think it's the same deal up to the Motronic Spiders.   
> It's 
> a pretty Rube Goldberg arrangement, but if the sensor is jostled, it falls 
> back and is blocked from the airflow by the shroud.  Make sure the sensor 
> is 
> out in the airflow.  The sensor can be tested by unscrewing it from the 
> shroud (mine's located on the rear of the shroud by the coil) and, with the 
> ignition and the A/C on, heat the sensor using a match and see if the A/C 
> fan kicks in.  You could also jump the sensor wires to see if the fan 
> works. 
>   Some folks have taken out the sensor and put in a manual switch.
> 
> I've discussed the fix with Hans and the "permanent" fix appears to get the 
> two wire coolant temp switch that screws into the lower part of the Milano 
> radiator.  It's the same thread size as the head plugs in the top of the 4 
> cylinder head.  Replace one of those plugs and run the sensor wires to it.  
> That way, the A/C fan is controlled by coolant temp instead of the air temp 
> after it passes through the radiator.  It should be much more consistent in 
> its operation.  That's my plan when I drain the radiator and take the 
> radiator out to work on the A/C this winter.
> 
> Hope that helps!
> 
> Bill Bain
> AROC Atlanta
> '83 Spider

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