500 Radiator Temperature Switch

A radiator temperature switch is needed to control when the electric fan switches on and off.

One switch commonly used in 500 electric fan conversions is a bi-metallic temperature switch like one shown in this photo. At the time of this writing, this switch is readily available on eBay; a search for the term "80C temperature switch" should return several hits. Sometimes the switch may be referred to as a KSD301 switch. The important features are that it have normally-open (NO) contacts and an operating temperature of 80C.

Ideally, the switch should be mounted on the bottom radiator tank. The mounting tabs and terminals can be carefully bent if needed.

J-B Weld worked well for securing the temperature switch to the radiator.

Amp 42640-2 Faston 0.250 receptacle terminals with dimples and matching plastic receptacle sheaths from Eastern Beaver were used to connect to the temperature switch.

The wires were routed in corrugated wire loom for support and protection.

CX/GL Forum member MGR1 came up with a very nice way to mount the temperature sensor. He fabricated a brass plug with M12 x 1.25mm threads and a shallow hole cut in the top of it.

Next the sensor was glued into the plug, and then the assembly was installed in place of the standard radiator drain plug.


Electric Fan Conversion Justification 500 only
Tachometer Cable Screw Replacement 500 and 650
Electric Fan Selection and Mounting 500 only
Camshaft Clearance Considerations 500 only
Fan Power Relay 500 and 650
500 Radiator Temperature Switch 500 only
650 Radiator Temperature Switch 650 only
Fan Always-On Modification 500 and 650

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