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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Heater reducer 12v to6v

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Discussion Topic: Heater reducer 12v to6v -- page: 1 2

sonof19

11-19-2010 @ 8:58 AM

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I have a 1948 ford super deluxe v8 12v system.before I knew that the heater reducer was suppose to get hot I change the ceramic one to a 10 amp metal one. (see pic.and this one was so hot it put a blister on my finger is this normal? and is there any way to reduce this heat? I am afraid the car will catch fire.also I put the old one back on and now the heater will not work it act like it want to but don't.what have I done? thanks son of 19

supereal

11-19-2010 @ 9:25 AM

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Your voltage dropper appears to be a simple ceramic resistor. It is usual for these to get very hot when there is a heavy load, such as a heater motor. Voltage drop is determined by current multiplied by resistance (Ohm's Law). But motors provide a reactive load, quite different than just a resistive load, particularly when they are operating at a higher speed, which easily exceeds the capacity of just a resistor. At one time, a 12 amp dropper was available, but most suppliers don't carry them now. As heaters are rarely used in old cars, you will probably have to live with the resistor, but be sure it is not near anything combustible.

sonof19

11-19-2010 @ 10:08 AM

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Thanks supereal" do thank I could put two of thes 10amps togather run them concurent would that help or no?

supereal

11-19-2010 @ 12:36 PM

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Have you checked to see what kind of voltage is presented to the heater motor when it is operating? You can check by placing your voltmeter between ground and the wire feeding the heater motor. If is not in excess of 7 volts, you can place another resistor in parallel to increase the current carrying power. If it is greater than 7 volts, you can double the resistance by placing the resistors in series. Then, recheck the voltage with the motor on high speed. If resistance remains constant, voltage will fluctuate with the current draw, but can't exceed battery voltage, in any case. Voltage reducers are designed to operate items with a constant current requirement, such as gauges, lights, and radios. Motors are a different class because the load varies widely.

sonof19

11-19-2010 @ 1:47 PM

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Thanks again" I will do some checking.you have given me some good advice. son of 19

Early46

11-19-2010 @ 2:39 PM

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The resistor in the photo looks like the item that Speedway sells as a voltage reducer for fans, etc. It is a 1 Ohm, 50 Watt resistor. They also sell a 1.5 Ohm, 25 Watt ceramic device in a different package.

The actual device required does depend upon the current drawn at steady state by the fan motor running at high speed. You must then calculate the required resistance using Ohm's law ( Resistance = Voltage / Current). I would not connect two resistors in parallel as this will cut the resistance in half and thus raise the voltage the fan motor "see's" and therefore increase the power the fan motor must dissipate.

In changing back to the ceramic resistor, I expect he may have a loose connection, they must be tight otherwise they will also act like a resistor. Make sure any terminal lugs are properly crimped!

Remember, if the heater motor draw 5 Amps, then the resistor must dissipate 30 Watts. This is like a 30 Watt light bulb, it WILL get HOT!

proxie35

11-19-2010 @ 2:48 PM

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I,ve had very good luck with the ceramic reducer, CM used on the 55-57 Chev. It was mounted on the firewall & reduced the voltage to the coil. I'm planning to try one for the Overdrive on the 49 that I have almost compled. I don't know what amp. this reducer is. I'll
post the results on the overdrive in a few weeks.

supereal

11-19-2010 @ 3:14 PM

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It is true that placing the resistors in parallel will halve the resistance, and placing them in series will double it, but without knowing the rating of the resistors, it will double the current carrying ability. That is why the resultant voltage during the operation of the motor needs to be measured. The problem is addressing the impedance of the motor, a different quantity than pure resistance, and the type of motor (permanent magnet, etc) in calculating the effect of
any voltage dropping device.

TomO

11-20-2010 @ 8:13 AM

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If you are committed to leaving your car 12 Volts, spend the money and have your heater motor converted or look for a 12 volt motor the will fit in your heater.
Conversion cost should be around $100 a rebuilt motor will be about the same.

Tom

sonof19

11-20-2010 @ 9:36 AM

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I want to thank each and ever one of you for your help.no one should ever have any problem operating these old fords as long we have folks like the v-8 club.I thank I will buy me a 12v heater motor any one know where I locate one?

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