okay... this is a simple task made stupid hard. Im installing an electric fan and the thermostat sender is supposed to be mounted inside the upper radiator hose. The Thermostat came with a little rubber shim that goes on the copper line that mounts between the radiator outlet and the radiator hose. Its supposed to keep the hose from leaking with the copper line inside of it... but it still leaks! Not too bad, but it trickle's a little, no matter how much I tighten the clamp it still trickle's. I've even double clamped it! What am I doing wrong? Is there some other place to put the sender to get an accurate reading from the thermostat? I only have about 12" of copper tube to play with. Thanks.

Mark

 

one word answer: Silicone

 

so do I use the little rubber piece too or just the silicone? And is it general purpose silicone like for window seals? Also, how much do I need to use? Thanks!

 

You should also use the rubber spacer that came with the fan. I have had more luck putting the thermostat at the outlet of the radiator anyway. I do not like the fan running without good reason. You can apply your own logic to this but that is my experience. If the radiator is doing it job driving down the road why do you also want the fan running. If you get stopped in traffic the radiator has no air, then the coolant coming out of the bottom will be hot so the fan turns on. Be sure that you use a low temp sending unit for that application. I like the fan to engage at about 160 degrees F.

p.s. Just about any silicone will work. There are several automotive types. I prefer that black because it is more stealthy.

 

Be sure to get the type marked RTV it will work best on a rubber hose IMHO

 

Well I have the common Red RTV Silicone, I guess I could use it right? Also, Ive lost the little rubber piece! I have absolutly no freaking idea where I placed it. Can I just built up a silicone gasket instead?

 

Good news! I used the silicone and it worked! No more leaking. I set the t-stat to 190 and it works great. Thanks!