View Full Version : Electrical Solenoids Vs Actuators
TheMaverick
06-25-2018, 02:21 PM
Considering moving to actuators, can you help me summarize the advantages and disadvantages (if any)? my understanding is below, Thanks guys
Actuators
-Less power draw
-Lightweight
-Cheaper
Disadvantages
-May need to re-adjust torsion bar due to lighter weight
hippieman9
06-25-2018, 03:25 PM
Considering moving to actuators, can you help me summarize the advantages and disadvantages (if any)? my understanding is below, Thanks guys
Actuators
-Less power draw
-Lightweight
-Cheaper
Disadvantages
-May need to re-adjust torsion bar due to lighter weight
I recently replaced my solenoids with actuators. I had a bad driver side solenoid. They install pretty quick and once your door panels are reinstalled there really isn’t that much difference in weight.
Elvis
06-25-2018, 03:25 PM
extra relays
ugly wiring
plastic
can't be as long living as a solenoid (of course we know and understood meanwhile why the solenoids failed)
When I rebuilt my door lock solenoids in 2002 I close afterwards installed door popper actuators.
Guess what I had to replace in the meantime and what seems to fail again ?
tip - it's not the metal cylinder with copper inside...
Kevin 02530
06-25-2018, 08:28 PM
I switched out to Toby's actuators a couple of months ago after a long battle with my door wipe switch, lock module and of course the solenoids themselves. My door locks would sometimes work, sometimes not and it was really frustrating. After installing them I have had no problems and they work great. The install was very easy and the whole kit cost about the same as one new solenoid did. As for the weight, I thought it would be a problem but it's not a big deal at all. No torsion bar adjustment needed on my car.
DMC-81
06-25-2018, 10:23 PM
If you are concerned with originality and willing/able to do some soldering/rewinding work, then you can repair & upgrade both solenoids and your Door Lock Module (DLM) for around $40, or a total of $80 if your bobbins need replacing. I think the cost of this solution is on the lower end of what parts you are considering. It will take some time, so it isn't a quick fix compared to the time to install a new system.
I did this a couple years ago and now my lock system is rock solid. Here's a thread (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?13059-Assessing-OEM-Door-Lock-Module-(DLM)-and-solenoids) to look through to see what it entails.
DavidProehl
06-26-2018, 08:44 AM
If you are worried about having to adjust your torsion bar after replacing them, just add in about 1 pound of weight. Lead scuba diving belt weights for example have slits in them you can easily run zip ties through and attach near the handle bracket. I weighted my doors like that for a couple years until I was able to re-adjust my torsion bars.
TheMaverick
06-26-2018, 11:07 AM
If you are concerned with originality and willing/able to do some soldering/rewinding work, then you can repair & upgrade both solenoids and your Door Lock Module (DLM) for around $40, or a total of $80 if your bobbins need replacing. I think the cost of this solution is on the lower end of what parts you are considering. It will take some time, so it isn't a quick fix compared to the time to install a new system.
I did this a couple years ago and now my lock system is rock solid. Here's a thread (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?13059-Assessing-OEM-Door-Lock-Module-(DLM)-and-solenoids) to look through to see what it entails.
I think that's the route I'm going to take, because of my line of work I'm luckily certified in soldering and wire harness assembly, however I'm a newbie to my DeLorean. I'll take the a look at the thread just need to find the instructions for them rebuild of the solenoids and instructions for upgrading the DLM.
DMC-81
06-26-2018, 01:12 PM
I think that's the route I'm going to take, because of my line of work I'm luckily certified in soldering and wire harness assembly, however I'm a newbie to my DeLorean. I'll take the a look at the thread just need to find the instructions for them rebuild of the solenoids and instructions for upgrading the DLM.
Cool. The article for rewinding the solenoids was from Dave Stragand posted on the old DMC News site: http://www.dmcnews.com/Techsection/stragand_lock_rewind/Rewinding.htm
I think the links to the pictures are broken. However I have several pictures with comments on the process in the Electrical album on my profile which explains the processes as well.
ed uding
06-26-2018, 03:43 PM
Last year we did made a new run of door solenoids L and R hand.
Delorean Europe
https://www.delorean.eu/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=19_31_122&products_id=122047
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