I'm new to this forum and relatively unfamiliar with holden motors, but I have a 75 Land Rover running a 186 red motor out of an HR I think (186A engine number prefix). I have a thermo fan already set up however it runs with one of those awkward capiliary tube temperature senders that has to go in under the radiator hose into the top of the radiator, so it tends to leak a little where it goes in under the hose. Plus I want to do it better and have a more reliable system.

Can someone with more knowledge in these areas than me suggest what parts I would need to set up with a proper thermal switch like those found on newer cars, either fitted somewhere inline on the hoses with an adaptor, or I'm open to suggestions (can you fit them in the top of the thermostat housing?). I asked at a couple of auto stores and they can sell me a temp switch, but they needed to know the on-off temp range that best suits the motor. As it is working harder and reving harder than if it was in a holden car, does it need to be set to run a bit cooler? I'm after maximum engine life and fuel economy, not too worried about power or speed.

So I need to know what model/type of temp switch you would recommend, where is best to mount it, or the temp range it needs to be. Also I've just converted to LPG so are there any considerations there as far as improvements I can make or should make to get maximum efficiency out of the engine? Different oil, spark plugs etc? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I would also love to get hold of an engine manual to suit this one but have had no luck finding one for download. No sense buying the full manual as the only bit I need is the motor part, to suit a 186A. Can anyone give me a link or has a digital copy of this?

Thanks in advance.

I fitted an electric fan to my FE. I used a temp. switch which turns on at 85degC. It is the same thread as the idiot light switch. I had a plug in my thermostat housing which I used to mount the switch. You use the switch to activate a relay for the fan. I used an over-ride switch on the dash which turns the whole thing on or off. Most times I don't turn the fan on, only when in traffic, which isn't often. I have got a grey motor, a bit different to your instal. The theory is the same though.

Colin.