Inline Fan Thermostat Switch, 180 Degree Activation Temp

OVERVIEW

In the world of high-performance air-cooled engines, heat is the ultimate enemy. Whether you are pushing a built 2110cc stroker through the Mojave desert or idling your classic Beetle in heavy summer traffic, maintaining stable oil temperatures is critical for engine longevity and bearing life. The EMPI Inline Fan Thermostat Switch is the essential "brain" for your external oil cooling system. By automatically triggering your electric fan at precisely 180 degrees Fahrenheit, this switch ensures that your oil stays within the optimal operating range without requiring manual intervention. It eliminates the guesswork and the risk of "cooking" your engine, providing peace of mind for every mile you drive. Designed for durability and precision, this thermostat switch allows your oil to reach operating temperature quickly before activating the fan, ensuring your engine isn''t running too cold during warm-up while providing maximum protection when things heat up.

Versatility is at the core of this unit''s design, making it a favorite among professional engine builders and weekend grease monkeys alike. This thermostat switch is engineered to be mounted directly in-line with your oil flow, allowing for a clean and efficient installation. It features a dual-fittings design that accommodates both standard 1/2-inch rubber oil hoses for traditional builds and -8 AN fittings for those running high-pressure braided lines. It can even be adapted directly to Mesa-style or plate-and-fin oil coolers, giving you multiple configuration options depending on your specific chassis layout. The rugged housing is built to withstand the vibrations and harsh environments of an off-road sand rail or a daily-driven Baja Bug. When you install this EMPI thermostat switch, you are investing in a fail-safe mechanism that guards your Volkswagen''s most precious resource: its oil.

FITMENT

This inline fan thermostat switch is a universal cooling component designed for all air-cooled Volkswagen applications and custom off-road vehicles utilizing external oil coolers. It is compatible with the following models:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Bug, and Super Beetle (All Years)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi, and Microbus (1950-1979)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback
• Volkswagen Type 14: Karmann Ghia (All Years)
• Volkswagen Type 181: Thing / Safari
• Off-Road Applications: Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, Manx Styles, and Rock Crawlers
• Baja Bugs: Custom 1600cc to 2332cc builds
• Trikes: Air-cooled VW powered three-wheelers

SPECS

• Product Brand: EMPI
• Activation Temperature: 180 Degrees Fahrenheit (82 Degrees Celsius)
• Fitting Type 1: 1/2 Inch Hose Barb (For standard oil hose)
• Fitting Type 2: -8 AN (For braided stainless lines)
• Housing Material: High-quality aluminum and brass construction
• Mounting Style: In-line or Direct-to-Cooler (Mesa style)
• Weight: 0.36 lbs
• Electrical Connection: Two-terminal spade connector design
• GTIN: 707924363357
• Part Number: 3083-10

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Use a Relay for Maximum Longevity

While this thermostat switch is designed to trigger your fan, we strongly recommend using it to trigger a 30-amp or 40-amp automotive relay rather than running the full fan current directly through the switch. Over time, the high amperage draw of a powerful electric fan can cause the internal contacts of any thermal switch to wear out prematurely. By using the switch to ground the coil of a relay, you ensure the switch stays cool and lasts for years, while the relay handles the heavy lifting of the electrical load.

Tip 2: Optimal Placement for Accuracy

For the most accurate temperature reading, always install this thermostat switch on the "Inlet" side of your oil cooler (the line coming from the engine). This ensures the switch is sensing the hottest oil before it has been cooled by the fan. If you place it on the "Outlet" side, the fan may cycle on and off too frequently or stay off even when the engine is running hot, because it is only seeing the oil that has already been through the heat exchanger. Proper placement ensures the fan kicks on exactly when the engine needs the extra cooling boost.

Tip 3: Ensure a Solid Ground and Leak-Free Seal

When installing the brass sensor into the aluminum housing, use a small amount of high-temperature thread sealant or Teflon tape, but be careful not to over-apply it to the point where it insulates the threads if your electrical circuit relies on the housing for ground. Additionally, ensure your hose clamps are positioned behind the barbs on the 1/2-inch fittings to prevent blow-offs under high oil pressure. Always double-check your connections after the first heat cycle to ensure no leaks have developed as the metal expands and contracts.