What temp. should the electric fan start running?

Maintenance advice to keep your Spider in shape.
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minimike
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Apr 10, 2010 7:14 pm
Your car is a: 1979 124 spyder

What temp. should the electric fan start running?

Post by minimike »

Been driving today in 90 degree weather about 60- 80 mph for about an hour each way. When I got stopped at a traffic
lite, the gauge went up gradually, but never pinned the gauge or turned on the overheat lite. Just wondering what temp the
electric fan kicks in at. I've tested the fan, and replaced the sender. I've got power and continuety at the sender, but wondering if it's working properly.

any help?
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4uall
Posts: 4145
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 12:09 pm
Your car is a: 1980 Fiat Pininfarina Spider 2000 F.I.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Re: What temp. should the electric fan start running?

Post by 4uall »

My understanding is that there are different types of temp sensors that have different temp settings. Mine goes on @ 190F (right when the needle on the temp gauge is on the 9 in 190)

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Jay

Fiona
1980 FI 2000 Spider
ITZEBTZE

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FINN (FN-2187)
2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport
MYTHERPY
So Cal Mark

Re: What temp. should the electric fan start running?

Post by So Cal Mark »

they usually turn on when the needle is on the 0 of the 190
TX82FIAT
Posts: 1814
Joined: Mon May 03, 2010 11:04 am
Your car is a: 82 Fiat Spider 2000 CSO
Location: San Antonio

Re: What temp. should the electric fan start running?

Post by TX82FIAT »

Second for 0 of 190. A neet upgrade is the temp sender you can set.
Buon giro a tutti! - enjoy the ride!

82 Fiat Spider 2000
03 BMW M3
07 Chevy Suburban
minimike
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Apr 10, 2010 7:14 pm
Your car is a: 1979 124 spyder

Re: What temp. should the electric fan start running?

Post by minimike »

Thanks, I'll see if I've hit that temp yet next time driving.
mike
JConnerly

Re: What temp. should the electric fan start running?

Post by JConnerly »

Side but maybe related question. On my 81 the fan was coming on at the 0 in 190, but since having the valves adjusted the car never heats up that far anymore. Temp even with highway driving has been in the 140-150 range at a guess. My mechanic said the only valve that was off was the #1 exhaust valve. The car is running great but I'm wondering if I should be worried about the temp.
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4uall
Posts: 4145
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 12:09 pm
Your car is a: 1980 Fiat Pininfarina Spider 2000 F.I.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Re: What temp. should the electric fan start running?

Post by 4uall »

I stand corrected, it would appear that it comes on for me at the 0 as well :oops:
Jay

Fiona
1980 FI 2000 Spider
ITZEBTZE

https://goo.gl/photos/eNKaX7hrXhBu9fmp6

FINN (FN-2187)
2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport
MYTHERPY
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JammerX19
Posts: 169
Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:46 am
Your car is a: 1974 124 Spider

Re: What temp. should the electric fan start running?

Post by JammerX19 »

JConnerly wrote:Side but maybe related question. On my 81 the fan was coming on at the 0 in 190, but since having the valves adjusted the car never heats up that far anymore. Temp even with highway driving has been in the 140-150 range at a guess. My mechanic said the only valve that was off was the #1 exhaust valve. The car is running great but I'm wondering if I should be worried about the temp.
How would valve adjustment change the temperature of the engine? I could see that happening as a consequence of timing change but not valves alone.
Jody Farr
'74 124 Spider
'12 Fiat 500 Prima Edizione #13
So Cal Mark

Re: What temp. should the electric fan start running?

Post by So Cal Mark »

140 is really too low to run an engine at, I'd check to make sure the thermostat is working
JConnerly

Re: What temp. should the electric fan start running?

Post by JConnerly »

Just to update for informations sake: the reason my temp has changed has nothing to do with the recent valve job but is most likely a bad thermostat that is stuck open. It will come up to normal temp idling in the driveway and the fan comes on at the appropriate time. As soon as its driven the temp drops again down to 130-140. Have a replacement to install tomorrow.
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