For 16V, but may have some 8V overlap
Many of us are familiar with the Townsend recommendation to run an 82C t-stat in hot climates, paired w/a VW/Wahler 6010.82D thermo fan switch, or equivalent (stock setup is usually 89C t-stat & 92C switch [87C-92C range])
I made the change this past spring, and thought "great"
But as the summer temps came, I noticed my cooling fans were running _while cruising at high speeds_, which shouldn't be happening (w/a good rad) - fans should be cycling/running during stop n go driving, city driving, poss at low road speeds, and sometimes after hot-engine shut down. The dash temp gauge was at 1/2 (ambient temps ≈+32C/90F), yet the fans were almost constantly on at higher road speeds (with A/C off)
Researching more, I found the 6010.82D's actual range is 77C-82C: so the rad switch is closing - actuating the fans - before the t-stat even really starts to open! Since this is happening at higher speeds, the fans running may not even be heard above the usual noise. This is just excessive, unnecessary wear on the fans (and alt), aka Fan Abuse :!
With respect to all the great info on the Townsend site, I changed to a Wahler 6010.88D rad switch (83C-88C) [for those in the US available here], which has been a great match w/the 82C t-stat. Wahler also makes a 6010.85D (80C-85C) switch, too. There may be some variance wrt t-stat brand used, rad condition, driving conditions, etc
Wahler 82C 3-position thermostat PN 4154.82D
p.s. - Wahler PNs from Wahler, Germany - don't know for sure if they are global PNs
Many of us are familiar with the Townsend recommendation to run an 82C t-stat in hot climates, paired w/a VW/Wahler 6010.82D thermo fan switch, or equivalent (stock setup is usually 89C t-stat & 92C switch [87C-92C range])
I made the change this past spring, and thought "great"
But as the summer temps came, I noticed my cooling fans were running _while cruising at high speeds_, which shouldn't be happening (w/a good rad) - fans should be cycling/running during stop n go driving, city driving, poss at low road speeds, and sometimes after hot-engine shut down. The dash temp gauge was at 1/2 (ambient temps ≈+32C/90F), yet the fans were almost constantly on at higher road speeds (with A/C off)
Researching more, I found the 6010.82D's actual range is 77C-82C: so the rad switch is closing - actuating the fans - before the t-stat even really starts to open! Since this is happening at higher speeds, the fans running may not even be heard above the usual noise. This is just excessive, unnecessary wear on the fans (and alt), aka Fan Abuse :!
With respect to all the great info on the Townsend site, I changed to a Wahler 6010.88D rad switch (83C-88C) [for those in the US available here], which has been a great match w/the 82C t-stat. Wahler also makes a 6010.85D (80C-85C) switch, too. There may be some variance wrt t-stat brand used, rad condition, driving conditions, etc
Wahler 82C 3-position thermostat PN 4154.82D
p.s. - Wahler PNs from Wahler, Germany - don't know for sure if they are global PNs
