Ive been trying to troubleshoot electrical problems on my Brat for what feels like forever, Ive fished all around the engine bay for bad wires and I had honestly almost given up. Today I hooked up the battery and the drivers side cooling fan will start up and stay on with the key on or off. Im sure it didnt do that before.

 

I tried unplugging the thermosensor on the radiator and it was all corroded green, I cleaned it up and as I plugged it back in I accidently broke off the little bullet connector:eek: so I assume I need to replace that. Then I noticed the headlights stay on with the key off. they used to turn off with the key even if the headlight switch was still on,I dont know whats up. Ill go ahead and pick up the new thermo switch or what ever its called and hopefully someone can help me out.

 

Thanks:)

I finally was able to order a thermoswitch for the Brat. I am assuming when I remove the old one there will be a hole in the Rad.Right? If so while Im at it I might as well pull the radiator and flush it. My plan was to just use a garden hose.

 

When installing the new switch should I use teflon tape? Or some sort of RTV?

I bought a thermostat from napa a while back but I havent installed it since Ive heard that Subarus like the OEMS and I see no point to need to replace it again a month from now since I used a cheapy one. Whats the temp of the original one? I think I have a 180.

 

 

I just want to do it once and do it right.

 

Thankyou

...should I use teflon tape? ...

 

I must say Yes. I Used it on those kind of Threads.

I use teflon of tapered pipe fittings(like sensors), it really helps with removal and sealing

 

I think 180 degrees is stock, but I'm not %100

So the thermo switch finally came in today. Guess what, They wanted 70 bucks for it. I told them Ill pass for now seeing it unreasonably priced.Dose anybody know where to get a good thermo switch that wont bankrupt me?

Dose anybody know where to get a good thermo switch that wont bankrupt me?

 

$14.87 at Rock Auto under ['84][Electrical Switch & Relay][Radiator Fan Switch]

 

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

Thats more like it. Thats for sure the one I need?

Part # TS171

So, Finally!!! I got an Oem T- stat and gasket and a $9 rock auto thermoswitch for the Brat.

 

I replaced the thermoswitch last night and the fan dose the same deal.

 

so the fan is grounding somewhere else?

 

Got most other wire problems taken care of. except recently the car will act like the key is in the "on" position and dash lights up when its at "lock"????

 

Ive been workin 8-12 hour days 8 days a week so not a lot of free time lately

I replaced the thermoswitch last night and the fan dose the same deal.

With the key off the fan should not run, regardless of grounding. I should have caught that in your first post; however, it's good to have a new rad fan switch.

 

 

Got most other wire problems taken care of. except recently the car will act like the key is in the "on" position and dash lights up when its at "lock"????

 

Since you have several electrical issues that are "developing" simultaneously, I would start looking at places where they all come together such as the ignition switch and connectors and the fuse panel. Both of those areas can get melty over time and with previous owners messing with them.

When installing the new switch should I use teflon tape?

 

Doesnt that switch use the radiator as a ground?

 

Using too much tape could isolate the switch from the radiator. Tape also introduces other potential problems.

 

I always use teflon thread sealant (liquid)

Using too much tape could isolate the switch from the radiator.

 

It's happened to me before.

Doesnt that switch use the radiator as a ground?

 

Using too much tape could isolate the switch from the radiator. Tape also introduces other potential problems.

 

I always use teflon thread sealant (liquid)

 

Instead of teflon tape on things like this, I find a small O-ring (if it will seat fully) or use a little bit of RTV instead, making sure the threads make good contact.

I used no tape. It had an o-ring on it already and it seems to seal fine.

sounds like it could be an ignition switch thats gone bad..... id check the wires on the ignition for power when key is off with a DMM

Good call on the ign. switch. some times when the key hits the off position it will act like its in the on position. I will check it with a DMM.Ive got a new to me column I will hopefully swap out tonight. Ill let you all know the results

 

Thanks

Never switched out the column. I let a family member drive it for a few days and everything seemed to correct its self?? Thermoswitch works. at least the fan stopped running when ever it wants.OEM thermostat PERFECT!!! same with the gasket. complete difference in construction. sealed 100% the FIRST time.

Now occasionally at idle it craps out like its got a clogged filter. one by pump replaced less then 2 months ago. engine bay done last summer. dirty tank,clogged line? who knows? will investigate when the EA82 goes again

Thanks