240v from a 12v

[chinablue777]

Is there a device that will give you 240 volts from your cigarette lighter socket?. My brother says he has seen one but can't remember where. If this is true then my car heater problem would be solved !!

 

[Astra99]

You can purchase an inverter. However, Power in = Power Out minus losses. So. If you have a 240v 500w heater, you will need to feed your inverter with at least 500w, which at 12v is almost 42 amps (forty-two amps) This is beyond the capacity of the cigarette lighter socket and would run the battery flat in a very short time, and most likely damage the wiring to the fag-lighter! The average inverter you will find to connect to a fag-lighter socket has a capacity of around 150w, drawing around 12.5 amps, and is useful only for powering laptops etc. for a short period.

Sorry, but it looks like it's back to the drawing board!

 

[Peter.N.]

Yep, that's how it is. To get any appreciable ammount of heat you would need 2 killowatts, that would need to be connected directly to the battery by some very thick leads. It would flatten the battery in in about 15 minutes or used with the engine running would probably burn the alternator out - and the inverter would cost you about £200.00.

I believe I have seen some 12v heated seat covers or failing that take a hot water bottle.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-Car-V..._Car_Interior_Accessories&hash=item3f0f7c885a

Peter

 

[Belle427]

just fix the heater matrix, you know its inevitable or a lifetime of cold misery awaits

 

[chinablue777]

just fix the heater matrix, you know its inevitable or a lifetime of cold misery awaits

I know that is the way to go but the whole dash has to come out apparently. There could also be problems with the air bags if it is taken out , and on top of all that , it would cost more than the car to do!!. It is only a lowly Daihatsu Grand move so I am considering plan C , namely a Super ser in the back!!!

 

[Peter.N.]

I should go the whole hog and install a wood burner.

Peter

 

[Belle427]

nah, id pipe in a nice size radiator from b&q in the cab (other diy sheds are available)

 

[Peter.N.]

If its got aircon you could route the water through the evaporator, it won't give you as much heat as from the proper matrix but should give you some.

Peter

 

[RedHerring2]

Land Rover owners often fit an additional heater 'cos they're famous for inefficient heaters.

http://www.eberspacher.com/
or
http://www.webasto.co.uk/home/en/html/homepage.html

 

[Mursal]

Good idea, throw a secondhand heater unit under the seat, with two pipes for the hot water.
Also, consider a mains heater before you start your journey

Have a look yourself, especially at a dash stripped out at the local breaker, you may well see a way to fit a good secondhand matrix easily. Or at least easier than the stories.

 

[Avocet]

I take it the situation is beyond a bottle of Radweld or K-seal now, is it?

I've seen vehicles like the OP's where it's such a huge job to change a matrix that the car just gets scrapped. I did once cut a ole in the side of the passenger footwell to change a matrix on a car I once had. it wasn't pretty but it did save a hell of a lot of work!

Using the aircon evaporator might well work, but you'd have to get it de-gassed professionally, it's illegal to vent aircon refrigerant into the atmosphere these days. You'd also have to remember to set it to full cold when you wanted heat!

 

[Peter.N.]

In the '60s I fitted a heater from a Vauxhall Velox to my Morris minor van in a wooden box between the back of the drivers seat and the wheel arch - worked a treat. I also fitted it with a nice comfortable pair of seats. You could do that sort of thing in those days.

Peter