I had a new plastic/aluminum heater core in my 82 rabbit, and have found that it leaks. I can always smell antifreeze when I use the heater. The new heater valve under the hood also leaks. So... I had the fin section of my old brass heater core replaced by a radiator specialist. Then I soldered a fitting onto the inlet of the heater core of which I attatched a ball valve from the hardware store. Wow! No more stink from the heater. AND I noticed that it dumps out much more heat. The heater valve that was under the hood actually would only open about halfway at most. Now it is removed and the ball valve is used instead. The only thing that I am worried about is the fact that the handle of the ball valve is very close to the accelerator pedal. I would be possible to kick the handle and split the line open which would scald the razzle out of my ankle. Any thoughts on this modification?
- posted
18 years ago