[Healeys] 100 Heater motor or switch problem

[Michael Oritt]

About an hour ago I popped the spring clips off of the heater face-plate
which gave me access to the back of the rheostat switch. I first verified
that there was power to the switch and then jumped across the two posts
with a screwdriver. The heater motor came on full blast, telling me that
the problem was in the switch, which had felt a bit odd when I initially
encountered the problem a few days ago as the "detent-like feel" when
turning the fan on was missing. Though I assumed I had identified the
problem as being in the switch I nevertheless turned the control knob just
to see how it felt and--wonder of wonders--the fan motor immediately came
on. What's more it responded perfectly to the rheostat, going from full
blast to low just as it always had.


I am 100% certain that I had the ignition switch on and the heater power
lead connected with an intact fuse and I can only say that this is a
typical Healey deal, and now that the car has my attention I am sure that
should I simply close the heater up the switch will probably act up at some
point in the future. I'm going to investigate whether I can source a
replacement switch, either Lucas or not. I'll also take the opportunity to
repaint the front plate in black crackle and I am going to close off the
top opening that supplies heated air to the two vents in back of the
windshield, which seems like a waste of hot air.

Thanks all for your patience and advise and I hope this gives some of you
who have experienced similar situations a laugh.
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