Type 4 Thermostat Alternative.

Deffo need a set for the engine you built.
I then plan to have some buses here in 2016.

 

I'll get started on the other set tomorrow

 

MKII version works much better.
And the solenoid is quite happy after 20 mins of operation.
Also tested the temp unit which works perfectly.
And tested the whole lot on a running engine.
Just waiting the delivery of a plastic box to house it in, a tidy up and the job is done.
Pictures and video to follow when it's done.
As you can see, I'm happy about this.

 

nice one fella! glad it worked out, which actuator did you go for in the end?

 

A solenoid from a vending machine.
Photos soon when I've finished messing about with @PSG's motor.

 

Brilliant and well done. Looks cool (pun intended). Mine's currently running without a thermostat so am very interested in what you're doing and looking forward to the pictures.
Just bought a cylinder head temp gauge and sender so may adapt your idea to suit that.
Interested in your whole concept as it could be applied to stuff such as throttle or clutch actuation and remove the need for long, breakable cables.

 

now were getting techy, once you start you cant stop . Although a bus with fly by wire just wouldnt feel right

 

TBR, if you're looking to market kits for this please count me in.

 

make one yourself if a guide and parts list is put up. helping fellow dubbers an all that

 

That's what I intend to do.
Once it's finished I'll put up a parts list (about £30 - £40) and a quick how to with pictures.
It's dead easy once the R&D is done.

 

Goodie, goodie, modern things on our Vans! Let us see, let use see!!! LOL

 

Look forward to seeing your how to thread. great work !!!

 

True but at the moment my throttle is either on or off and there's little feel between either LOL, though I still have a stupid grin when I'm driving it :]

 

Because of the time constant of the engine is long you could modify this in the end to provide a proper variable pulse width modulated control by turning on the solenoid for e.g. between 0 and 30 seconds every 30 seconds.
Then you can stabilise the engine temperature as you would need the flaps to be on average partially closed to stay warmed up today.