need a motor to adjust a water valve

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URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=121448
Printed Date: April 24, 2024 at 2:23 PM

Topic: need a motor to adjust a water valve

Posted By: handyguy7
Subject: need a motor to adjust a water valve
Date Posted: April 20, 2010 at 11:32 PM

I have a car I'm working on that has an old school water valve (for heat) that is adjusted with a slide and cable. This isn't the actual one, but the same type:

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I want to retrofit later climate controls in and this is the one thing I'm hung up on. I've searched the in-net for ideas but really no idea what to call it. I need a way to adjust this valve with a rotary switch - like the newer cars have (cold to hot). Any ideas?

Replies:

Posted By: ckeeler
Date Posted: April 20, 2010 at 11:58 PM

Just get one for a newer car. Try a late model Jeep. Find the best parts store in your area, (it wont be a worthless "autojoke, o'riley/checker, or pepcrap" type place), get to know your parts guy, and get him to let you look through their heating/cooling products catalouge (hey, theres a hint right there, real parts stores have people that know how to use catalouges, and know where they are and are familiar with them rather than just looking at a computer screen and then giving you a stupid look when you need something that can't be looked up by year, make and model! What a novel idea posted_image ).

You can even get heater core water valves valves that are air operated. You should have no problem. If you still can't find something...........well, reply and I'll put a part number right in your hand so you can have whatever minimun wage earning, hamburger flipping, retards that pretend to be parts people where ever you have been going, interchange the number.

Sorry for the rant, but I have a really good relationship with the real parts people that have years of experience, and know what they are doing in my area, and am fed up with all the rest of the clowns out there that might as well be taking orders at Taco Bell, but trying to look up parts for people instead. And frankly, I don't understand why anybody who has anything at all to do with cars, or is any type of auto enthusiast at all could feel any different.

Hope this helps.

Posted By: handyguy7
Date Posted: April 21, 2010 at 12:53 AM

So how do you really feel? posted_image

I agree totally....most places you mention seem to have a new kiddie working there anytime I walk in. I guess there's no careers in blisterpack auto parts.

This particular car is an old design - using the valve to direct hot water into the cabin. The newer climate controls found on other models are vacuum controlled, so not sure what part of Pandora's box I'd be opening.

Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: April 21, 2010 at 10:09 AM

Yeah - my 1965 ute has the same.... well, it did once I fitted a heater...

As above, I'd try a later vacuum type. Otherwise I might consider stepper-motor actuation, but that's because I'm a nurd.
(Or like cruise controls, have climate control ditched vacuum mechanisms (at last!)??)

Posted By: ckeeler
Date Posted: April 21, 2010 at 10:57 AM

I would not go with a vacuum type but that is just me. We are thinking too "automotive" here, we need to think outside that world. Here are some ideas, I hope they will help you find your way.

You could continue to use a cable actuated valve and use a "blend door actuator", (you know the motor on many makes and models that shifts the air from to the various vents) and fit it to your valve.

Here is one made by RedDot. It is a universal one, can be had in 12v or 24v, it has 104* of rotation from stop to stop, and it can be controlled by linear voltage or PWM. Part #RD5124500.

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Posted By: ckeeler
Date Posted: April 21, 2010 at 11:30 AM

Check this little diddy out! Maybe it's way over kill for what you are wanting to do, maybe not, but at any rate...........check out the water valve, it has a blend door actuator fitted to it! The part number for this whole system is #RD654520, and, even better....it looks like that water valve with electric motor is available on it's own from the system if you think you can devise a way to control it. RedDot part #RD117460 for the valve.

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Posted By: ckeeler
Date Posted: April 21, 2010 at 12:41 PM

Or.........maybe you don't need any type of "blend action" with this valve, but simply an on/off solonoid controlled valve that will shut the water flow to the heater core off unless activated and then let it flow at full open?

RedDot #RD41880

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Here is another electric valve, sorry it doesn't show the wires, but it is electric. Bendix #800077

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Or........Velvac part #032192

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Or Velvac part #320051

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Just a few items to consider.

Posted By: ckeeler
Date Posted: April 21, 2010 at 3:31 PM

And best of all yet.....................a water valve with electric motor built on............and...........a control knob type switch box for the motor, all in one kit!! Looks like it's made by EATON, but I don't know the EATON part number, sorry.

RedDot part #RD5102580 for the kit. Available in 12v or 24v, 5/8" hose barbs. If you just wanted the valve....#RD581350. But, you would need a way to control it, so just get the kit, you will be better off. And if you dont have a cool knob already in mind for the switch.............#RD581340, although I'm sure it's just a generic knob, but whatever.

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Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: April 21, 2010 at 5:25 PM

I suspect solenoid isn't suitable - variable is the go (like the original valve).

I was wondering if servos could be used - add a $20-$50 servo to existing valves rather than the >$100 motor valves?

Posted By: ckeeler
Date Posted: April 21, 2010 at 5:57 PM

I wondered the same thing too, but then I found out that the motors like in the first picture are only around $20-$50 themselves. But then you still need a way to control it, which is why I think that last rig I suggested will work the best for the money. handyguy7, you should try and find somewhere you can get your hands on one and find out just how much it is.

Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: April 21, 2010 at 6:59 PM

Ah - I couldn't find prices etc....
And I'm quoting AUD$ which although close enough to 1:1, many things like that are double the price here if not more.

And I too was wondering about the control mechanism.
I'd assume a simple up-down switch.
But otherwise a commercial controller is worthwhile (unless you can program or build controllers with suitable lag & response....).

But yeah - servos can be too small, quick, etc.
Your first motor/pic looks fanfntastic - that's why I searched. (Cables are a pain in the R's - especially with mechanisms that are so last millennium! Even manual electrical control is worthwhile - merely buttons etc with electric wires to the target - simple! It's like comparing electric gauges to mechanical ones - yech!!)

Posted By: handyguy7
Date Posted: April 21, 2010 at 11:49 PM

The later controls I have (that I'd love to use....keep it factory-esque so to look stock) uses a water valve under the hood - the one I pictured is actually under the dash. The later ones are under the hood and then use vacuum doors to direct the heat. I would hope I could use a vacuum power valve and then tie it into the later style controls.

Another PITA is that most manuals dont show or go near climate controls - I guess thats for the shops...so finding just a general "schematic" of the vacuum lines has been rough.