smiths heater question

Post by **docgibbons** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:10 pm

i've got an old type smiths heater on my 1958 morris, which was working ok until i had to have the hose replaced. it was suggested it might have been an air lock created by replacing the hose, but i've been through the routine to clear it without it having any effect. one thing i can't recall before the new hose fitting was whether the knob you turn on the front of the heater made a slight whirring noise when turned to "fast" setting. i seem to recall it did, but now it is totally silent. so i wondered whether it might be some kind of wiring problem, or something electrical anyway.
or maybe, purely co-incidental to the new hose being fitted, the heater just chose that moment to pack up anyway.
does anyone have any thoughts or ideas i might pursue?

Post by **Onne** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:24 pm

It should make a noise when you turn it on.

I have never had any problems getting the heater matrix bled.

Check the earth too, this makes a lot of difference in the output.

(you do have the tap open on the block I hope??)

Post by **docgibbons** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 7:04 pm

well there is no noise at all - but i guess it's possible the garage turned off the tap when changing the hose, so i'll check that it's open.
two more questions. the heater matrix...what's that? is it the same as the hose?
and, where is the earth?
total duffer in these matters, as you can tell.

Post by **Onne** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 7:48 pm

The matrix is the big round thing behind the plate with the rheostat (aka knob)
It is like a little radiator, but a different shape.

The earth is behind the glove box liner on my car.

Whereabouts are you based? I am not too far from Leicestershire if you need a hand, my heater is like an incinerator

Post by **docgibbons** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 10:49 pm

i could ask the garage to take a look as i've got to have a new float and valve put into the carb (it gushes petrol from time to time) and they could check it out then. although i've not yet checked whether the tap is open or closed. will do that tomorrow.
nice of you to offer a helping hand. i live more or less in the middle of leicester, but if you're not too far i could run her over one day if you are free. would certainly be nice to get the heater going properly - i've felt the need for it more in june than december!

Post by **DaveC** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 8:15 am

I'm in Oadby during the week, I could have a look one evening next week if you're still stuck, or you could take a run over to my work (Invicta) at lunchtime any day (12.30-13:30). I'd be happy to help.

Post by **docgibbons** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:54 am

hi dave,
i'd feel a bit guilty about impinging on your lunch break, but if you really wouldn't mind taking a quick look, that would be very welcome. next week i am away until friday, so it would have to be fri night or the weekend, and the same would apply to the following week. i could, though, pop the old girl round to invicta tomorrow lunchtime. is that in oadby? if you have an email address, i could swap details (ie mob phone numbers) there, so i can call you when i get there.
let me know anyway.

Post by **DaveC** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 10:32 am

PM sent Doc