47-55.1 Heater Control Options

[vintovka]

Are there any easy ways to control in cab heater temp. Have a nice aftermarket heater with only fan speeds - no thermostat.

[mr48chev]

What kind of switch came with it?

Something like this would give you a simple way to pick what speed you wanted .

[leegreen]

I used one of these for fan speed control, gives full control from very slow to full voltage.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07RQKS4PX/

and I haven't installed it but plan to use a simple cable actuated heater valve on the heater hose, primarily so I can shut the heat off in summer, I expect fan will give enough control for winter: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B001B7BUAU
Make sure your engine does not require constant flow from the heater.


If you want a thermostat to set temp in the cab, here is an idea I have not tried myself:
There are various 12v coolant valves, the ones with 2 wires are simple on/off valves. You could control it with something like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Intelligent-Pr.../dp/B07D28NFRS

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

What kind of switch came with it?

Something like this would give you a simple way to pick what speed you wanted .

This is the exact switch it came with. 2 minutes on low even with flow contol on minimum heater i'm opening windows!!

[vintovka]

It came with only the standard 3 speed switch but the thermostat is interesting. Was hoping for a simple knob affair as I chose a heater that is way too big for the little cab. Think i was over compensating for years of freezing derrière.

[leegreen]

As a test, next longish drive try partially pinching off one heater hose to restrict flow, a simple mechanical valve may be all you need

edit:
just saw previous post, sounds like you can control flow already

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by leegreen

As a test, next longish drive try partially pinching off one heater hose to restrict flow, a simple mechanical valve may be all you need

edit:
just saw previous post, sounds like you can control flow already

Yup why the interest in a electronic thermostat. May get a digital off net or see if junk yard has any possibilities.

[mr48chev]

I've had this on my Ebay watch list for years but you can get this style heater control valve at any parts house. It just takes a push pull cable to work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/310234390594

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I've had this on my Ebay watch list for years but you can get this style heater control valve at any parts house. It just takes a push pull cable to work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/310234390594

Have this installed but doesn't seem to regulate temp in cab correctly, Have it connected to block flow from the pump.

[leegreen]

Mr48chev, that looks like the 2nd link in post #3 above.
if we can get it in Canada amazon.ca amazon.com is sure to have it

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by vintovka

Have this installed but doesn't seem to regulate temp in cab correctly, Have it connected to block flow from the pump.

That may be the problem, coolant doesn't flow "from" the pump through a heater hose it returns to the pump through the heater hose. It flows from the top side of the cooling system before the coolant gets to the thermostat through the hose to the heater and then returns to the pump. Just as coolant flows through the thermostat housing to the upper hose and top of the radiator and then out the lower hose to return to the pump.

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

That may be the problem, coolant doesn't flow "from" the pump through a heater hose it returns to the pump through the heater hose. It flows from the top side of the cooling system before the coolant gets to the thermostat through the hose to the heater and then returns to the pump. Just as coolant flows through the thermostat housing to the upper hose and top of the radiator and then out the lower hose to return to the pump.

Will reverse the hose connections and see.

[leegreen]

I thought these control valves were just ball valve style and not directional and it would not matter which side of the heater core you installed it on.

I looked at the one I got from amazon. Note the arrow is reversed from the picture mr48chev posted.


Looking inside a few things strike me. Not sure what they mean in terms of fluid flow.
The opening in the valve core is offset to one side
It appears the widest open setting is before the control lever is all the way to open.
When it is off you can't blow through it from either side
The outlet side of the valve core has a unique shape

inlet side is round

outlet side is notched. Maybe the notch allows greater control at low flow rates?


Nothing I see indicates that this does anything more than stop the flow at off

[mr48chev]

My concept is to put it on the inlet side but it shouldn't matter if it is on inlet or outlet side.

I'm thinking that he may have something else going on besides control of coolant flow. If the coolant deadheads at the outlet side there should not be hot coolant flowing through the heater core.

[leegreen]

I stumbled across this. Volvo 140. 240 and others had a heater valve with cable control and a built in thermostat.......



I can imagine how it would work, but a quick search of volvo forums did not turn up a good description.
News ones are also pricey, but maybe when your at your local junk yard. Evidently located near gas pedal inside car

[vintovka]

This is closer to what may work. Will look into it Thanks.