Smiths Heater Problem

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Minor-Bramsche
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Smiths Heater Problem

Post by Minor-Bramsche »

Hell there,

I have a problem with the heater in my 54´s Minor - it´s the fresh air heater from the later 62´s model. It´s runs quick & fine if you start - I can hear the motor running quick. but after 5 minutes heating it's going slower and slower - there is nearly no air coming out and I can hear a little slow scratch noise.

Is the motor the reason for the prob? I think it depends from the heat in the heater - if it´s cold it runs fine. perhaps it is bearing of the fan??

Before I rip the whole heating of the car :roll:

Thanks from germany

Dirk
Life is like drawing without an eraser!
bmcecosse
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by bmcecosse »

I suspect you are right - it's tightening up as it runs. Not a huge job to strip it down.
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mogbob
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by mogbob »

Dirk
It's probably an "internal " problem but is the feed wire undamaged , i.e no chaffed part of the wire , where it has rubbed against metalwork ? Heater making a good earth ?
Check these out before pulling the unit out of the car. Mind you if it's not been out before it's long, long overdue an internal inspection and dusting !
After 50 plus years possible causes : - Lack of lubrication / dirt on the bearings
bearings worn out , rough and catching
The brushes past their sell by date , need replacing
Dirty commutator
Air flow ...check that the airways are not clogged up with dirt and fluff.
Remember it maybe a combination of the above causes.
Good luck with it.
Bob
Minor-Bramsche
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by Minor-Bramsche »

Thanks for your answers.

the guy who owned the car before me, told that he had a complete overhaul to the heater two years ago. If I think about the work what :evil: "these expert" :evil: done to the car, it is better to disassemble the heater and do the job again.

Then I will get the workshop manual of the closet again :roll:

Cheers

Dirk
Life is like drawing without an eraser!
Declan_Burns
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by Declan_Burns »

Dirk,
There is not much inside the heater to repair. Electrically you can only replace the motor brushes if they are worn but finding new ones is another thing. As mentioned above check the wiring before you take the heater out.
If it is knackered you can always fit a Mini heater which has a much more efficient fan.

Regards
Declan


Regards
Declan
Minor-Bramsche
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by Minor-Bramsche »

Thank´s to all :lol:

it is cracked from the inside and if it´s getting hot inside, the fan can not turn around. It had been repaired with a hot glue gun and tape :evil:

But I think I have the solution: I hope I made a bargain ; yesterday night I bought a nearly new complete heater (as picture) for 55 GBP incl postage. is it a ok?

Happy christmas and some nice days with family and friends

Dirk[frame]Image[/frame]
Life is like drawing without an eraser!
Declan_Burns
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by Declan_Burns »

Dirk,
That looks like a Mini heater to me. I have the later Bakelite Mini heater in my car and it chucks out quite a bit of heat.
I also fitted a speed controller
Regards
Declan
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Regards
Declan
Minor-Bramsche
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by Minor-Bramsche »

Yes you right - complete Mini heater whith all bit complete
That should give warm in my Minor - is the price ok?

Cheers
Life is like drawing without an eraser!
Declan_Burns
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by Declan_Burns »

I would say it was a fair price if the postage was included.
Regards
Declan


Regards
Declan
Declan_Burns
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by Declan_Burns »

Minor-Bramsche wrote:Thanks for your answers.

the guy who owned the car before me, told that he had a complete overhaul to the heater two years ago. If I think about the work what :evil: "these expert" :evil: done to the car, it is better to disassemble the heater and do the job again.

Then I will get the workshop manual of the closet again :roll:

Cheers

Dirk
Dirk,
What else did he overhaul??
Regards
Declan


Regards
Declan
bmcecosse
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by bmcecosse »

You paid a wee bit over the odds - but yes that's a much better Mini heater and will do the job nicely. Just make sure it has a good flow of hot water - ie no kinks in the pipes or half-blocked valve on the cylinder head.
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Minor-Bramsche
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by Minor-Bramsche »

Declan_Burns wrote:
Minor-Bramsche wrote:Thanks for your answers.

the guy who owned the car before me, told that he had a complete overhaul to the heater two years ago. If I think about the work what :evil: "these expert" :evil: done to the car, it is better to disassemble the heater and do the job again.

Then I will get the workshop manual of the closet again :roll:

Cheers

Dirk
Dirk,
What else did he overhaul??
Regards
Declan


Declan, where can I get these speed controller for the fan? Can you send me the link - that will be a great upgrade for the heater - then I will have something between to cold and much to hot :D
Thanks a lot ....

Cheers
Dirk[frame]Image[/frame]
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Declan_Burns
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by Declan_Burns »

Dirk,
Conrad Electronic. There are two versions.
A ready made module
https://www.conrad.de/de/h-tronic-10-a- ... 91507.html
or as a kit.
https://www.conrad.de/de/conrad-10-a-dr ... 92287.html

Available also in UK.
http://www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/ce/e ... -Component
http://www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/ce/e ... ggest=true


This is only for cars with negative earth!!


Regards
Declan


Regards
Declan
panky
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by panky »

Maplins do one too, would this be suitable?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/mfa-panel-mou ... ator-rn41u
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Minor-Bramsche
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by Minor-Bramsche »

Thanks to both of you.
I´m not a electrical hero! :oops:

Therefore I think the ready-made Maplin ones will be right for me. And there I just found an upgrade to my windscreen wipers - http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/k2599-intermi ... ller-ve03d. I think I will order both of them. Maybe Conrad in D will have the same ... if not I will order in UK

Cheers
Dirk
Life is like drawing without an eraser!
panky
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by panky »

I'm no expert either so let's make sure it's OK first as the maximum amp output is lower than the other controller. I fitted the intermittent wiper relay kit and it's one of the best mods I've done but be aware it is a kit that needs soldering up and it is for negative earth vehicles.
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Declan_Burns
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by Declan_Burns »

I would recommend measuring the heater motor current before buying any speed controls.
Regards
Declan


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Declan
mogbob
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by mogbob »

Dirk
The "new " heater looks good. Spend a few minutes flushing the heater through BEFORE you put it in the car just to check that
it's clear.Easier now rather than in the car.
Bob
bmcecosse
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by bmcecosse »

I've never felt the slightest need to slow the heater fan - often wished it would run faster - give more heat - and yes, it was a later Mini heater....
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SteveClem
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Re: Smiths Heater Problem

Post by SteveClem »

Yes, you can always open the windows if it gets a bit warm.
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