Looking for a otter switch

[ivs]

Looking for one Otter in line switch for the AC engine. This is the termo switch in front of the engine on the water pump which activates the auxiliary carburetor. Should you have one please contact me. Thanks for looking on those parts boxes in the garage!
   Ivs

[Robin A Woolmer]

I do not believe the exact bi-metal switch is not now available as Otter stopped manufacture some years ago, but a similar type switch is used on Austin Healey BN4 through BN7 which is a cylindrical unit with a flange, so you might consider this & modify the aluminium housing to accommodate it, unfortunately they are quite expensive for what they are but if you contact your local Healey specialist in USA or if needed  one of the specialists in the UK they might give some advice. I think they are approx. $113 in USA
   They are used in the same way for control of the enrichment solenoid on SU carburettors.
   Otter manufacture many types of bi-metal switches.
   
   Robin

[Robin A Woolmer]

Have found the part number for the Otter switch for Austin Healey & other cars fitted with SU carburettors it is an SU Part AUD3936, so if you Google it you might find local sources at a better cost! you will still need to modify your housing though!
   
   Robin

[ivs]

Robin,
   Thanks for the info. I'm familiar with the Jaguar/healey version of the otter switch. I'll use that solution as the last option. Still confident that someone will have a used one languishing in the garage[:)]

[Robin A Woolmer]

Have sent details of the Otter Thermostat to Otter who hopefully will be able to suggest a current part which could be adapted to fit the housing, we will see! I am sure more owners might need them!
   
   Robin

[nikbj68]

If you have a photo of the part, I could have a look around the Autojumble at the NEC this weekend!

[Robin A Woolmer]

Can send a picture to your Email Address if you let me have it!
   
   Robin

[nikbj68]

Here are Robin`s photos:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I`ll keep my eyes peeled at the weekend.

[Robin A Woolmer]

Nik
   Thanks for getting the pictures on the forum.
   
   Robin

[AE 501]

Please have a look for me as well! If you can get some, I'd take 2 or 3 of theese missing parts - never found an alternative - even with Healeys or Jaguar XKs.
   
   Thanks a lot,
   Chris

[nikbj68]

Oh boy... I hope this isn`t going the same way as the filler caps saga!!!!

[Robin A Woolmer]

Nik
   I will help to determine if Otter can assist & there response suggests that one of there current designs could be adapted to suit, I am certainly not going to get into the filler cap saga, I have enough to do with the Weller engines & the tens of thousands I have spent on that project.
   As with the PVT stub axles I will ask the Club to take it over & invest as I am sure the requirement for these small but important parts will be required to keep the valuable AC cars working as intended, at the moment I do not anticipate major costs but what is important is the support of the owners of these cars to make some commitments.
   My interest is in the PVT AC cars which do not have this sophistication I am pleased to say, as with Stub Axles I will initiate then expect the other Club members & the Club to take over!!

[nikbj68]

Fingers crossed we can meet demand from the N.O.S market!!!

[Robin A Woolmer]

I am well on the way to a solution using a new Otter/ modified thermostat, I will have a sample thermostat for mounting in a cover plate which will be made to fit the switch housing this would then be a replacement assembly, however I am only prepared to have these made if sufficient owners are willing to invest, so please indicate who will do so!
   
   Robin

[Robin A Woolmer]

As there has been minimal interest in a solution for an Otter  thermostat replacement in spite of a potential solution, it will be uneconomic to proceed beyond making a prototype, which I will complete, I anticipate the initial cost of parts with minimum order values will not be recoverable let alone my time!