Got a quick question regarding the electric fan on my soon-to-be IVA'd Seven. Its operated by a switch on the dash, not automatically off a
sender. I know it'll spend quite a while idling at the IVA test centre - will I be near it and able to switch on the fan, or do I need to wire it
up to work automatically?
Thanks.
Just leave it switched on.
My personal choice would be to have it operating automatically, AND have the override switch as backup - this would be very useful for normal driving,
let alone the test.
As far as the test is concerned, if you said to the tester "you will be running the engine for ages, so I'm going to turn the fan on from
the beginning - is that OK?" then I can't imagine that he will complain. Your running tests may well be done with the bonnet off, so that
will help (certainly was for me at SVA).
Might be worth you doing a pre-IVA "soak test" anyway - run the engine at varying speeds for an extended period, including idling for 5 or
10 minutes, to see if you've got any potential overheating issues.
[Edited on 13/8/11 by David Jenkins]
If it's anything like my test then you'll be near it.
But! It begs the question... why on earth would you not want an automatic switch?
Weight saving? 
Can you absolutely garantee you'll always remember to switch it on at the right time? Its important for engine efficiency for it to run at the
right temp as this effects power and economy.
You'll look a right nerk if you have to replace a seized engine as you forgot to switch the fan on at the right temp!
Cheers,
James
Yep, got to agree - you need to put an automatic switch in.
As far as the IVA is concerned, you have to be by the car most of the time. The exceptions are when he is testing the speedo on the rolling road for
10 mins, and when he is doing the brake efficiency test - both times you have to be behind the barriers. The brake test can take quite some time.
quote:
Originally posted by stevegough
Yep, got to agree - you need to put an automatic switch in.
As far as the IVA is concerned, you have to be by the car most of the time. The exceptions are when he is testing the speedo on the rolling road for 10 mins, and when he is doing the brake efficiency test - both times you have to be behind the barriers. The brake test can take quite some time.
Cheers for that lot. I'm inclined to agree re the rad, I just need a kick up the arse to get on and wire it up rather than fiddling with other stuff!