Cost Increase of Thermotime Switch

[kings1527]

While perusing Houston, I came across some sticker shock for a new thermotime switch. They're up to over $160 per unit and I could've sworn I paid maybe $30-40 at the most when I was redoing my engine last year. Does anyone know the reason for the increase? I'm guessing they're not making them anymore.

[Tillsy]

Only five left perhaps? ;)

[kings1527]

Only five left perhaps? ;)

Perhaps at those prices! I'm glad I got mine when I did!

[nkemp]

They can be had for about $60 on eBay. Piston111 is selling some (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Rolls-Alfa-Saab-DeLorean-Thermo-Time-Switch-Bosch-0280130214-/200938159528)

Regardless... if they go out of existence or if the costs go high seems like an opportunity for a standard sensor and a PIC or Arduino micro to reproduce the functionality.

[jawn101]

Wow. In August 2012 I got a TTS and a main relay from DMCMW for $43 including shipping. $160 for a TTS sounds awfully steep! I thought it was a super common part.

[kings1527]

They can be had for about $60 on eBay. Piston111 is selling some (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Rolls-Alfa-Saab-DeLorean-Thermo-Time-Switch-Bosch-0280130214-/200938159528)

Regardless... if they go out of existence or if the costs go high seems like an opportunity for a standard sensor and a PIC or Arduino micro to reproduce the functionality.

It looks like we'll be able to get used ones for around $60 or so. It seems like the longevity of the TTS isn't super-long so I'm always wondering about that next time when I need one.


Wow. In August 2012 I got a TTS and a main relay from DMCMW for $43 including shipping. $160 for a TTS sounds awfully steep! I thought it was a super common part.

I know. It seems like it's really common and goes out with decent frequency, so I'm surprised if they're not making them anymore. They're used in so many engines. Maybe production was drastically reduced. I think I remember that Houston backordered mine for about a month when I ordered it last year. There was a time when they were relatively tough to get and when you could get them again, they skyrocketed. Hervey has them for $100-$130 depending on if you buy them with a water pump kit or not. But his does say they're are 'Bosch-style' so I'm guessing they're not Bosch.

[Chris 16409]

Message Dave M. about his solid state "Hot Start Relay". It replaces the thermotime switch with a more modern option. It also cleans up the water pump area by not having that silly plug hanging around. The relay engages the cold start valve after a second of engine cranking. Essentially, it usually takes much less than a second of cranking to start the engine. Thus only when you are starting a cold engine will you ever engage the relay. Just in case you are concerned about flooding the engine. But if you really do have a hot start problem, this relay will engage the cold start valve if you crank for a second. In these situation, if you flood the engine you can at least get the car running buy keeping your foot on the gas during start up.

[DeLorean03]

Yeah, I paid about $35 for mine in 2004-2005. I can't imagine what justified a nearly 5-fold increase in price.

[Chris 16409]

I've got my old one somewhere if anybody wants it.

[Malevy]

This any help?

http://www.thepdfportal.com/ea869e11-cfa8-41ad-add7-b50c7f7ea731_797.pdf