I just replaced my nearly new Otterstat. I installed it last fall and I'm not sure it ever worked but it certainly wasn't working on my recent outing (had to turn on the AC to get the fans on). I kicked myself for not testing it before installing. Luckily, I had purchased two and had a spare. This time I tested before I installed. My original Otterstat failed, likely because it had a crack in the sensor casing. Being a curious nerd, I decided to take the original one apart and see what was inside:
Here is the original with the crack:
Original Otterstat with crack.jpg
Here's what's inside:
Original Otterstat split open.jpg
And here's a closeup of the sensing element:
Otterstat sensor element closeup.jpg
So before installing the new Otterstat:
New Otterstat.jpg
I set up a test to heat it up and verify it would work:
Otterstat test setup.jpg
I'm guessing others have done the same. Here are my results:
Otterstat testing.JPG
Now to my question. There is a comment on the DGo website where it says: It is recommended to install this using 2 zip ties on the outer edges (rather than a clip thru the middle) to minimize the pressure on the internal workings
DGo installation instruction.JPG
My retaining clip is pretty tight. Could this have caused the failure of the first replacement? Is there any concern using the original retaining clip?
Ron