Understanding the heater controls

[thesmithsUK]

New owner of a 1968 Old English White post-production convertible with a quick question...

The decals have worn off the front panel of the heater unit but I understand that the lever positions are:

Top = Car
Centre = Screen
Bottom = Off.

Is that correct?

Also, there's an electric switch underneath the panel (again, with no decals). What does this switch do and what is indicated by each (left/right) position?

Any help gratefully received.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Welcome to the messageboard and Minor ownership!! Post up a pic of your car, we all like pictures here

Yes the positions are correct and the switch on the bottom should operate a blower motor/fan to circulate the air, after about 30mph you dont need the blower switched on as there is enough force from the fresh air trunk that comes from the front panel and through the bulkhead to get the heat through.. There should also be a push pull lever similar to the choke just below the dash and this opens and closes a valve to shut off the hot water to the heater.

Always keep a cloth handy to wipe the condensation off the windows anyway, though with a convertible you will have an airflow anyway!

[thesmithsUK]

Many thanks. Will upload an introductory picture shortly in the general/into section.

Found the push-pull lever - that makes sense.

But I can't hear any fan kicking in (even with the engine off) when I flick the blower switch. Presumably I should hear it whirr?! Loose wire maybe…?

Thanks for your help.

[bmcecosse]

It will only run when the Ign is switched on.

[thesmithsUK]

Ign switched on (but engine not running). Still no sound.
What to rule out first?

[bmcecosse]

Anything else working? Wipers? Brake lights? If not - check the fuse(s)...

[thesmithsUK]

Everything else working fine. Only this heater switch seems dysfunctional. (Assuming that I should be able to hear the fan whirring when switched on.)

[whyperion]

The later heaters (like mini's but not quite) can be quiet(er). Probably lead/s been disconnected. A multi-meter (V,O , A) can check volts to the heater and any other problems. Enjoy hanging upside down under the parcel shelf.

[Larryb]

My 67 Traveller has the same heater. When switched on the blower makes a standard fan noise. The switch may be defective or the connection to the electrical system has come loose.

The first snow has hit here in Maine and the defroster is not very robust. The drivers side works somewhat but the passenger side not at all. Gotta check the hose to see if it is plugged. As to the push-pull switch for opening or closing the air to the heater is it closed when in or out? I have done it both ways and nothing seems to change.[frame][/frame]

[Deux Chevaux]

Fantastic photo there. Hope we don't get snow this year, I couldn't leave my house for three days last December.

[bmcecosse]

The push/pull doesn't close the air - it closes the hot water supply to the heater! Leave it wide open all year round.. For best heater results - fit an 88 or even 92 degree thermostat in winter. For even better/faster acting heater - blank off the bypass hose.... The fresh air trunk can also be usefully repositioned (in winter) behind the radiator at the very top of the matrix - so it draws in air pre-warmed by the radiator.. Obviously it has to be secured there so it doesn't fall into the fan blades----which can also be removed in winter as long as you don't plan getting stuck in heavy traffic.

[MarkyB]

Have a look through the windscreen at the outlets of the demisters.
Pointing them at the screen a bit helps

[bmcecosse]

Clearing out many years of 'fluff' helps too - that's if they are even connected to the heater....