Oil radiator down

[DiyNutJob]

My little plug-in oil radiator went down and I found the fault on the neutral line. There is this thingy that's gone open circuit. Can anyone tell me what is this thing and what purpose does it serve? Also, is there anything else that could cause it to blow other than normal wear? I have had the radiator for about 3 winters. Thanks.

 

[EFLImpudence]

It's a thermal fuse.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Got too hot for some reason.

 

[Ragnar_AT]

Looks like 110C but quite difficult to read.

 

[DiyNutJob]

Yes, it's 110C. The unit has a manual thermostat, electrical thermostat, and then the fuse. Given the redundancies, it's probably just the fuse wearing out. Although it was a bit hot for a couple of days. I will get replacement fuse and thermostat. The manual thermostat seems ok because the on/off click is easily audible and controlled. In the mean time I think I can run it without the fuse but with attendance. Even if the electrical thermostat doesn't work, the manual one should. Everything is inline.

 

[DiyNutJob]

Back in business and parts on way.

 

[Ragnar_AT]

You just need to find a way to crimp the fuse, it won’t like being soldered.

 

[DiyNutJob]

I have crimps. Even if I didn't I can use cut up spade connectors to use the crimping bits. Solder should work for relatively low temp stuff like this. The easy melt solder needs 180C.

 

[flameport]

Solder should work for relatively low temp stuff like this. The easy melt solder needs 180C.

What do you imagine will happen when you heat a 110C thermal fuse to 180C?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I have crimps. Even if I didn't I can use cut up spade connectors to use the crimping bits. Solder should work for relatively low temp stuff like this. The easy melt solder needs 180C.

Put some sort of heat sink, on the lead, to prevent the heat spreading along the wire. It was normal practice, whilst soldering germanium transistors. A bit of wet cloth will do it.

 

[endecotp]

Put some sort of heat sink, on the lead, to prevent the heat spreading along the wire. It was normal practice, whilst soldering germanium transistors.

A mini vise grip (mole wrench) clipped to the lead, if you have one.

Ah, germanium transistors…… probably Made In England too!

 

[ebee]

Put some sort of heat sink, on the lead, to prevent the heat spreading along the wire. It was normal practice, whilst soldering germanium transistors. A bit of wet cloth will do it.

Or combination pliers but might take a bit of practice unless experienced.

 

[DiyNutJob]

What do you imagine will happen when you heat a 110C thermal fuse to 180C?

I use the small heater under my thigh while sitting. I suspect my pants would be on fire for a start. My skin should burn at 100C, which should activate a switch off action from brain. The 110C fuse should blow before 180C. The 90C thermal cut out thermostat should activate before 180C. The manual thermostat should cut out before 180C. From circumstantial evidence of youtube videos, I have seen other people using solder and their larger heaters than mine failed elsewhere before solder melting.

In any case, I find soldering a hassle and so I use crimps for general connections. There will be no soldering in this instance. If solder melting is a concern, then I would suggest using lead free. I struggled melting those with a flame thrower, and threw that carp out in the bin.


PS: Never mind. I just realised you mean soldering at 180C. Yes, good point.

 

[DiyNutJob]

For soldering the thermal fuse, you could use solid core copper wires as heat sinks. Clamp compacted snake windings of copper wire on two sides of the fuse wire.

 

[Why Not Indeed]

I use the small heater under my thigh while sitting.

Have you considered sitting on a heated blanket? Much cheaper to run.