Expert: Stephen Sokol - 3/3/2007

Question
Hi Steve,
My spider is heating up and I noticed the electric fans are not coming on (I live in Florida-big problem). I pulled her down, ordered and installed a radiator fan switch (also noticed a water pump leak-replaced it). This is my only transport and the fans still don't come on after replacing the switch. Is there a fuse and if so where is it located. Also what oil would you recommend for the heat in Florida and what are your thoughts on synthetic vs regular as well as adding a product such as prolong or slick 50?
Thanks in advance

Answer
The easy part first. In your area I would use a 20w-50 regular oil. I am in Montana and so use a 5w-50 synthetic because of the extremes of temperature and change yours every 4K miles and I change mine every 8K miles. By the way, the Ford filter works great in an Alfa and costs less (PER-1 OR PH-8A OR 1515).

The temp switch sometimes is direct to the fan and sometimes operates a relay. I am pretty sure a relay in involved in your system and you will find both it and the fuse in the fuse box on the drivers side. You should check weather there is power at the fan and that the ground side is good. As a safety back up I like to install a manual switch near the drivers seat.









rivers seat.