Alternative to Kenlowe Thermostat, and Source Of Sealing Sleeves.

[rfs1957]

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.

[rfs1957]

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/

[Gfhug]

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

[rfs1957]

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.

[Gfhug]

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

[caveman]

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.

[Gfhug]

Steve, fyi that’s the same as the coolcat version. Think as it as a generic copy.

Geoff

[caveman]

Thanks Geoff,
Either way, it’s far superior than the Kenlowe and UK sourced (vs Coolcat). Kenlowe was always an eyesore imho.