Power in the engine compartment? (Another project content)

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 11:50 pm

Evening all,

I've been at my parents all day and got bored again but I need a quick bit of advice:

Where would be the best place to pick off +12V in the engine compartment? Could do with a reasonable current, probably up to 3-4amps, maybe more. I'll have to see how big a fuse it requires when fitted.

I was thinking of the alternator but the location is pretty poor, it needs to be further back. Oh and needs to be live all the time.

All will be revealed if it works. If it does work it will potentially save you all a few bob on one of those nice to have gadgets

Rich
/terminally bored and unemployable faction

robin · Post by **robin** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:26 am

Rich,

Back of the starter motor has an unfused arc-welding capable +12v connection on it. Pretty sure you'll be able to add a second ring-terminal to the stack without any real problem - probably best to thread a second nut on top to make it easier to add/remove your cable (otherwise you would really want to disconnect the battery before adding/removing).

Cheers,
Robin

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 9:49 am

Cheers Robin,

The project was an electric boot release but it failed before I got that far. The problem was the motor I had wasn't up to the task, the claimed 60N pull was clearly bollocks (What do you expect for £10!) It all worked in principal though so all I need now is a better actuator....

The whole lot (Including the £10 actuator) worked out at about £30 but that includes £5 of stainless button and a locking switch. If I do find a suitable actuator I'll happily put the kits together, the only tricky bits will be drilling the catch for another cable and mounting the actuator with are a bit fiddly.

The idea was to leave the cable in place and put the button and lock above the number plate plinth so you could access the boot without opening the door. There would be a lock and a push button so you could leave the boot unlocked if you want (Don't know why you would) or just unlock it podge the button and relock. The cable would still work too.

Rich