Heater Valve, easy to replace?

[Fiat88]

I'm thinking about replacing my heater valve as I've replaced most of the cooling/heater system and right now I have the coolant drained once again cause I'm putting a 1800 Intake in and need to put in a new radiator as well. I bought new heater hoses. So, is this an easy job to do?

BTW, I noticed the rubber grommet at the firewall which the heater pipes pass through is kind of shot, does any vendors sell a replacement? Thanks.

[So Cal Mark]

the danger in removing the heater valve is that the mounting studs can break off the core. Be sure to spray a rust penetrant on the studs before attempting replacement.

Your valve looks like one of the original valves that aren't available. The replacement valves are X 1/9 valves and require a slight mod to the heater pipe. The pipe won't line up with the hole in your grommet without bending it. Some owners cut the pipe and use a short piece of heater hose as a flex joint.

[Fiat88]

the danger in removing the heater valve is that the mounting studs can break off the core. Be sure to spray a rust penetrant on the studs before attempting replacement.

Your valve looks like one of the original valves that aren't available. The replacement valves are X 1/9 valves and require a slight mod to the heater pipe. The pipe won't line up with the hole in your grommet without bending it. Some owners cut the pipe and use a short piece of heater hose as a flex joint.

Thanks for the advice Mark! Yeah I read that only the x 1/9 valves are made and are used by us spider owners and a slight modification is required to fit.

[ga.spyder]

If it isnt leaking,I would leave it alone.That may be the worst job I have done on the car.You really have to contort yourself to get at the valve.I would reccomend removing the passenger seat(I didnt).It might help with access.I sprayed the nuts for 2 days before I could get them to budge.Good luck

[htchevyii]

Ya, mine all broke off too

[narfire]

I'll second or third that about if its not leaking don't touch. Marks right about them breaking off.. real easy and the replacement valve needs a bend in the original pipe. I saw a fellow here that cut the pipe and as Mark said used flexable hose.... next time thats what I'll be doing.

[Curly]

You guys have it easy with left-hand-drive You aught to try it with a pedal box and steering column in the way . Making the X1/9 valve fit and line up through the holes in the firewall can be tricky - I like the idea of cutting the pipe and using a piece of hose. I cut and welded the pipes on mine, but know now what I'll be doing next time .

[Fiat88]

Anyone want to guess what happened when I tried to get the nuts off the heater core studs...yup one broke. I got all them off but last one which was the hardest to reach snapped. Even with the nuts off I can't seem to seperate the heater pipe from the heater core anyway as I think rust is bonding it. New heater core is now on the list, that will be a good time to replace the heater fan as mine is squeeky. Anyone have instructions on how to install a new heater core? Thx.

[swensonsj]

So, I have a question. The part that I bought from Vicks said that I may need to bend the inlet pipe by as much as 5 degrees to get the X 1/9 valve to mate up with the core. That's a pretty short piece of pipe but this may still be a stupid question: how do I bend the pipe 5 degrees without damaging it?

[WYSpider]

Heat???

[boogiedude]

Does anyone else see the images in the original post? it looks like some kind of advertisement for a business and a screenshot of someone playing runescape...

[leftfield6]

Yeah, I'm guessing the original poster has moved the pictures that he originally posted, and these were for some other use.

[Fiat88]

Yeah, I'm guessing the original poster has moved the pictures that he originally posted, and these were for some other use.

I just removed them as my old pics aren't there.

[baltobernie]

http://dcfiats.org/tech/Spider_heater-A.pdf