I had various issues with the standard Kenlowe thermostat a couple of years ago and baulked at the cost I was being asked to pay for a new one, when I've never been that impressed with the quality of finish.
I had seen these alternative ones for sale here for £19
https://bbclassics.co.uk/products/aerol ... rol-switch
which didn't actually inspire me very much, but after a bit of snooping around came to the conclusion that they were actually quite high-end industrial products from a reputable Korean manufacturer, so took a punt and ordered a couple.
The quality looked excellent, the capilliary much finer and easier to seal, and I've now been using this one for a couple of years with complete success.
Indeed they now seem to be available from all sorts of sources, to the extent that I couldn't actually find a Kenlowe one when I was looking for the current price, so maybe they've become the new norm.
The only downside is that as supplied there was no support-plate or bracket, and that took a while to get right and neat.
I fitted mine right next to the headlamp relays on the left-front wheel valance and feed it directly off the "bus-bar" fuse-box I have fitted to the starter solenoid so that the wiring is as direct and simple as possible.
See link here : http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5214
The capilliary is still way too long but coils up neatly.
Alternative to Kenlowe Thermostat, and Source Of Sealing Sleeves.
#1 Alternative to Kenlowe Thermostat, and Source Of Sealing Sleeves.
Last edited by rfs1957 on Fri Mar 22, 2024 4:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Rory
3.8 OTS S1 Opalescent Silver Grey - built May 28th 1962
3.8 OTS S1 Opalescent Silver Grey - built May 28th 1962
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#2 Re: Alternative to Kenlowe Thermostat, and Source Of Sealing Sleeves.
Just to report that this model of thermostat has worked just fine now on both the Mini and the E-Type for over seven years.
I recently had great difficulty identifying a supplier of the red grooved-seal that Kenlowe used to supply to help seal the capilliary going into a radiator hose, as all the people who appeared to list them said "no stock" and "discontinued" etc
However am happy to report that I discovered that The MGBHive have them at under £5 a pop, which is half the price of many of the suppliers who haven't got them, maybe NOS.
https://mgbhive.co.uk/product/red-kenlo ... ad-sleeve/
I recently had great difficulty identifying a supplier of the red grooved-seal that Kenlowe used to supply to help seal the capilliary going into a radiator hose, as all the people who appeared to list them said "no stock" and "discontinued" etc
However am happy to report that I discovered that The MGBHive have them at under £5 a pop, which is half the price of many of the suppliers who haven't got them, maybe NOS.
https://mgbhive.co.uk/product/red-kenlo ... ad-sleeve/
Rory
3.8 OTS S1 Opalescent Silver Grey - built May 28th 1962
3.8 OTS S1 Opalescent Silver Grey - built May 28th 1962
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#3 Re: Alternative to Kenlowe Thermostat, and Source Of Sealing Sleeves.
Rory, is this thermostat used as a replacement for the otter switch? And if so was this before people started using the Coolcat type upgrade which is based on a Mitsubishi sensor?
Regards
Geoff
Regards
Geoff
S2 FHC Light Blue
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
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#4 Re: Alternative to Kenlowe Thermostat, and Source Of Sealing Sleeves.
Yes Geoff, this replaces the otter-switch and copes with my Spal fan (not a Kenlowe, then) without the use of a relay.
The screw and rubber washer shown on the rim of the wheel are to act as a sort of brake, so the setting you've retained doesn't get accidentally nudged.
The screw and rubber washer shown on the rim of the wheel are to act as a sort of brake, so the setting you've retained doesn't get accidentally nudged.
Rory
3.8 OTS S1 Opalescent Silver Grey - built May 28th 1962
3.8 OTS S1 Opalescent Silver Grey - built May 28th 1962
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#5 Re: Alternative to Kenlowe Thermostat, and Source Of Sealing Sleeves.
Thanks, Rory. The linked topic in post 1 is also very interesting and will be bookmarked for useful improvements that I can embody as appropriate.
How long before you stop improving and get driving again?
Geoff
How long before you stop improving and get driving again?
Geoff
S2 FHC Light Blue
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
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#6 Re: Alternative to Kenlowe Thermostat, and Source Of Sealing Sleeves.
I ran the Kenlowe thermostat for twenty years but the red sleeve would seep at the groove, so I’ve upgraded to Fosseway Otter Switch Kit;
https://www.fossewayperformance.co.uk/f ... placement/
Works perfectly alongside seperate fan override switch and fits as originally intended in front of header tank.
https://www.fossewayperformance.co.uk/f ... placement/
Works perfectly alongside seperate fan override switch and fits as originally intended in front of header tank.
Steve
1965 S1 4.2 FHC (early)
1965 S1 4.2 FHC (early)
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#7 Re: Alternative to Kenlowe Thermostat, and Source Of Sealing Sleeves.
Steve, fyi that’s the same as the coolcat version. Think as it as a generic copy.
Geoff
Geoff
S2 FHC Light Blue
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#8 Re: Alternative to Kenlowe Thermostat, and Source Of Sealing Sleeves.
Thanks Geoff,
Either way, it’s far superior than the Kenlowe and UK sourced (vs Coolcat). Kenlowe was always an eyesore imho.
Either way, it’s far superior than the Kenlowe and UK sourced (vs Coolcat). Kenlowe was always an eyesore imho.
Steve
1965 S1 4.2 FHC (early)
1965 S1 4.2 FHC (early)
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