Peter Charlton Posted October 12, 2017 Report Share Posted October 12, 2017 Starting to clean up the engine bay of my recently acquired Vitesse MK1 and I see this interesting device in the hose that leads from the engine to the bottom of the Rad. It has the name "Bray" cast into the side. Any ideas what it is for please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul H Posted October 12, 2017 Report Share Posted October 12, 2017 Hope this is it Paul 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Charlton Posted October 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2017 Marvelous, now to see if I can get the lead and socket and somebody to fit it if it doesn't work. The First owners had this car for 30 years, an indication that they looked after it I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 Sensible hat on here. If you intend trying to see if it work, I STRONGLY suggest doing some checks first. People tend to cut leads off things for a few reasons, one being when something is faulty. If you have a simple digital multi-meter (every enthusiast should! if not, buy one eg http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portable-LCD-DC-AC-Digital-Voltmeter-Ammeter-Ohmmeter-Multimeter-Volt-Test-Tool-/222596525579?hash=item33d3c96e0b:g:68kAAOSw~AVYtiRz ) then do some checks before committing any further. Turn the meter to resistance, 200ohms On the mains lead the 2 power leads should give a number. maybe 50-200, if needed, turn dial to 2000. If it is zero, or very close the element is likely blown and shorted out. If very high, element blown and gone open circuit. Then turn the dial to 200k, and check between each mains lead and the earth connection, and then each mains lead and the body of the heater. That figure wants to be very high, like 10,000, ideally higher, otherwise you could find your RCD in the house will be constantly tripping.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 We fitted Bray heaters to many fire tenders and salt spreaders etc , any truck on call for easy staying and up to temperature ready for the Call to go , so they were a reputable make , not a gimick Just remember you need a snatch lead to disconnect or a good memory to unplug it before you drive off. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 Agreed, engine pre-heaters are a good idea for any car used in the winter. Commonplace in Europe, unusual over here. But easily available.... Wish I had fitted one to my Triumphs years ago when I did use them everyday for work. At one point I left a fan heater in the car overnight, flicked it on from inside the house when I got my cornflakes, so at least the car and screen were nice and warm. Engine pre-heater would have been a better idea! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AidanT Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 In Canada most people have RC starters on their cars for the winter and start their cars half an hour before they go out. When they go shopping some even leave the cars locked and still running! Fuel is still a lot cheaper over there, never mind about the pollution!! Aidan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 who remembers the old paraffin under sump heaters they used to sell, bet they got some 'fired up' or with a long wick a garage covered in soot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Charlton Posted October 13, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 If it has broken, I wonder if, and by whom, these things can be repaired, also, wondering where I can get an attachment lead from, there must have been so many about with ambulances and the like using them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 I doubt you will find original spares readily available. If the heater unit checks out as viable, it could be re-wired using something a bit more modern (safe!) in terms of cable and plugs. I would be concerned about safety, and I do wonder if even when new it would have met todays standards. I get twitchy when people mention, outdoors, water, metal and electricity all together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 The lead is the same as the old electric kettle lead that you used to see everywhere in the good old days so might widen the search a bit. There's one on eBay at present but a hefty price of £425....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gully Posted October 13, 2017 Report Share Posted October 13, 2017 9 hours ago, Pete Lewis said: who remembers the old paraffin under sump heaters they used to sell, bet they got some 'fired up' or with a long wick a garage covered in soot My Dad had one of those! Probably still in his garage somewhere under the workbench. It was bought as an attempt to get his 1300L Mk2 Escort to start on damp mornings (a thankless task for the 6 or 7 years he owned it, even with it being garaged every night!). Gully Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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