Availability of 'low temperature' thermostat and fan switch

[Graham Stewart]

I'm in the middle of getting my Beta Spyder 2 litre back on the road, with the intention of taking it to the South of France and leaving it there. (I own a ramshackle property there, but it has a large, dry garage...) I'm sure the S of F will suit the car (and me!) far better than here, but having read GC's preferences for low coolant temperatures (c. 74C), and knowing how hot the S of F can get, I'm wondering where I can get a suitable stat and rad/fan switch. The car is standard, by the way (no coolant system modifications).

Also, looking ahead, what engine stands are recommended for general engine building work?

My apologies if these questions are answered in a FAQ somewhere - if they are, I'm afraid I haven't found it.

[euroauto]

I'm not sure what was fitted in Europe but all Fiat twin cam cars in North America had a thermofan switch with the same diameter and pitch.
A common mod here ( and I have done it on at least 20 cars) is to use a switch for a 1st series Golf with 2 prongs which is available in different temps.
The one I find works best has a working temp of 80 to 85 deg C. That coupled with a new standard thermostat should keep the temperature in the 90 deg C (on the dash gauge) range during normal use, assuming everything else in the cooling system is Ok.

[Graham Stewart]

Hi JB,

Thanks for the reply. I think the standard Beta switch is also a 180F/82C part. I was hoping to get a switch in the range 74/76C (165/169C). Do VW make a switch for the Mk1 Golf in those ranges?

<Edit> I should have checked my facts first. According to a manual I have, the standard Beta fan thermoswitch cuts in between 90-94C (194-201F) and cuts out at 85-89C. So the Golf fan switch you recommend would be a big improvement.

Now all I need is to find a thermostat to suit...

Graham

[Graham Stewart]

I'm feeling a little bit foolish now - I just checked on the Monte Hospital's web pages and they have both parts. The low temperature thermoswitch (82 - 77C) for the fan is part number PP4055 and will set you back about ‚£14 (postage not included).

They also stock low temperature (75C) 'in head' thermostats, but as mine is the external type that's not as helpful as it might be. I'm guessing that low-temp external thermostats are rarer than Unicorns...