dimmer switch voltage control??

[2.3turbo]

I know this question makes me sound like a red neck,But here goes anyway
I keep blowing out diaphrams on the adjustable pressure switch on the surflo
I was wondering (until I get money for a progressive controller) can I just bypass the pressure switch on the pump and use a dimmer switch to control the voltage to the pump,Or should i just bypass the pressure switch and use the appropriate nozzel size . Right now I have a 15 nozzel and with the pump maxed out the engine can't take it ,So i figured if i turned down the voltage to the pump it would work?

 

[Bob Avellar]

Not sure if the dimmer sw. would handle the current to the pump but if I had to guess i'd think it might be able to do it. Interesting idea. I like it when people try something different. We all know there are some terrific kits out there that are proven to work-but its fun to experiment so long as you don't blow anything up. I think some of us Buick guys like doing things the hard way sometimes because we like a challange-otherwise we'd all just drive Chebbies. :wink:
I don't understand why you have had a problem with the pressure switches though. Can't help you too much today cause I'm pretty well doped up cause I threw my back out a couple of days ago. Had to have an ambulance come get me . I'm like the 130 yr old man. Now I can just go into la la land and daydream about my Buick. To hell with everything else.

 

[Razor]

I know this question makes me sound like a red neck,But here goes anyway
I keep blowing out diaphrams on the adjustable pressure switch on the surflo
I was wondering (until I get money for a progressive controller) can I just bypass the pressure switch on the pump and use a dimmer switch to control the voltage to the pump,Or should i just bypass the pressure switch and use the appropriate nozzel size . Right now I have a 15 nozzel and with the pump maxed out the engine can't take it ,So i figured if i turned down the voltage to the pump it would work?

Current capability of the switch is the question 1, then comes with voltage drop across it as the pressure/amperage on the pump increases.

I=E/R

I=current
E=voltage
R=resistance

A heavier duty variable resistor may band aid it.. and the smaller the motor's displacement.. the more delivery becomes a concern.

Turn down pressure, increase your turnon point.. and watch that it doesnt knock.

 

[salvageV6]

A $5 variable power resistor will work.

Use the search feature.

 

[87GN_70GS]

Ummm...dimmer switches are for AC. Pump motors are DC.

http://www.hobbyengineering.com/SectionHB.html

HTH

 

[salvageV6]

How about the dimmer rheostats on the dashboard for the DC dash lamps?

HTH

A variable power resistor works just fine.

I like the 100 watt surplus versions. About $5.