Hello,
New to the forum.
I am working on my dad's 54 Olds 88. He did most of the restoration himself. The heater switch used to work on low, but now does not blow at all. I located a new switch and thought I had a new resistor located, but that deal fell through. To my new experienced friends. Any thought and ideas on how to get the blower working? Is there a replacement for the resistor. Any help is appreciated.

 

Are the heater controls vacuum operated. On my '57 there is a vacuum operated switch near the heater motor that puts 12v on motor when the heater controls are used and the engine is running.

 

I Can't find a diagram of the heater switch/ relay in my motor manual for some reason and I have messed with that relay in my 55 some 15 years ago, it should be the same as yours. The best I can remember (looong time ago) it was (of course) under the dash on the passenger side middle and it also conected to the defroster blower motor switch. You might trace backward from it to where the two come together, just a shot in the dark and I could be remembering something completly different. Maybe someone else has a diagram that would be of more help.... Best of luck... Tedd

 

I just looked at the '54 manual and you don't have vacuum control. Brown wire is power to resistor and branch to defroster switch. White wire from resistor to motor with branch to heater door switch. Try that.

 

On a 54-56 I believe they are all mechanical, no vacuum on these years just cables.... Tedd


OOPS I was a little late Yellowstatue you got it...

 

Does this help?

 

I had my 54 apart a couple years ago and I do remember the resistor being inside the case. I don't know if there is a way to change it without taking the case out. For your sake I hope there is because that thing is a bear to pull out. If it has never been pulled it is really difficult because GM used some black sealant/adhesive that really make the case stick to the firewall. By the way, if you need any defroster hose, I have plenty. There are two sizes and I have both. I had to buy a whole lot when I only needed a little. Good luck.

 

Thanks guys. I traced down the resistor and it looks good. I need to check the power to everything again.

 

Thanks redoldsman. My dad would love that car. His original Olds was a convertible. Thank you for your service to our country!

 

Thanks dahaze. Us old vets never get tired of hearing that and I am sure the young ones don't either. Welcome to the site. Have you posted pictures of your Dad's car yet?

 

No, I have not posted any yet, but I will get to it.

 

Is this a resister or a relay? I might be thinking of something else. I do remember I was changing out the heater core and it was such a pain it left a little remembrance in my foggy head.... Tedd

 

it's a resistor: Group 8.852, Part #3131533 Used on 1954 to 56 Olds:

I suggest that you clean the terminals or at least give them a wiggle. Might just clean the contacts enough to get it working.

 

I will try that - thanks. It looks to be intact at least.

 

That is with out a doubt a resistor and not what I was trying to locate but they are in the same confined area..... I sometimes wonder if I can read and think at the same time.... Tedd