SWITCH FOR HEATER

[FATBOY]

what type off switch do i need for a warmaride heater i just got one and theres no switch

cheers fat

[coolaride]

hi

it was called a " preslite variable speed switch "

made by preslite .

sorry to say that they arent to easy to find...

i picked mine up a few years back . it was nos and cost me a bit.

i will take a pic for you and post it..

i`ve seen them mounted on the dash to the right hand side.. next to the 3 idiot lights..

i`ve seen a few cars with the switch there..

coolaride  

[coolaride]

but..

there is a pull too switch available too from the era..

made by smiths ... maybe..

i used to see them at swap meets for $1

not bad for a $1  

btw if you want to use a different type of switch i do have a good condition preslite knob only if you want it ?

i could be fitted over a different switch.. just a thought .

cheers

coolaride .  

[RET]

The problem with using a pull-to switch is you only get two heater speeds: off and full on.  I've got an original switch in my car, and frankly if you run it at full speed I find the cabin gets too hot!

The original switch is a rheostat that gives full variable control (just like the dashboard lighting control in the head-light switch).  Come to think of it, perhaps a headlight switch could be adapted to suit?

cheers
RET

[craiga]

Fatboy,

IMHO best bet to replace an original heater rheostat is to use a temperature control switch from an old oven. You can also buy high current rated variable resistor from electronic and electrical wholesalers.

Here's the type of thing you need:



I'm not convinced that the dimmer on the headlight switch will last, as the fan motor in the heater would draw much more current than the dashlights. This would mean that the dimmer winding would be passing a higher current than it was originally designed for.

Cheers,

Craig.

[customFC]

Try to find 1 in a old Pommie car. I picked 1 up after mine died, and the only thing different was the knob, which I swapped over. From memory the 1 I found was in an early Morris. The cold English climate meant a few more were fitted in the factory IMHO.
Regards
Alex

[customFC]

Here's a pic of Ret's knob.  
Regards
Alex

[RET]

You can't go around publishing pictures of people's knobs without their say-so!  Get me Andrew Ettingshausen's lawyer, quick!

CraigA, you're probably right, and I suspect the original switch is not entirely up to the task either, judging by the rate at which they wear out.  The switch does get very warm.

cheers
RET

[snoopy]

hi ret
i was thinking how  about a light dimmer for a 240 volts


Peter

[craiga]

Peter,

A 240V light dimmer uses electronic components in place of the physical wire wound resistor. They usually use components called an SCR or TRIAC, which would be designed for the 240VAC circuit and wouldn't operate at 12DC.

It's a valid idea though, you could use a simple electronic circuit to replace the wire wound resistor - variable wipers in late model cars use this type of set up. In fact, a variable wiper control removed from a late model might even do the trick.

Right here http://oatleyelectronics.com/kits/k098.html is a kit that would do the job, and for only $18.00!! You would need some basic electronics knowledge, and a reasonably fine soldering iron, but this is a good replacement for the manual potentiometer.



Have fun!!

Cheers,

Craig.

[tim59fc]

(just like the dashboard lighting control in the head-light switch).  

Doh! Here's me thinking that the dash light in this old car isn't very effective - and what do ya know - there's a dimmer switch.
Well how about that - its amazing what you can pick up on this site.

Thanks RET

Tim

[Ed]

..on switches,

I've used a dimmer switch from a Mazda 626 (old one).  it looks to be fairly robust with a large ceramic heat sink.

love the links to the electronics stuff Craig.. very interesting.

Cheers

Ed

[gp]

You could always try a hot water bottle and a blanket