Heater valve just spewed coolant over floor

[1981spiderman]

Hey all. My heater control valve just let go and spewed coolant all over the passenger side floor. I did a search for heater valve replacement and came across over 100 entries. I have learned that the new valves available now, (or at least the times of those postings), must be modified to fit. My question is does any of the parts places, ie international or Vicks etc, sell a heater valve that does not need to be modified. Also does the lower console need to be removed to change this part. Thanks in advance for any feedback

[azruss]

can be done without the upper or lower console pulled. it is my understanding that the only valve available are the old 850 style valves. the piping geometry does not match a spider.

[rlux4]

The problem is the angle of the mount is different, causing the pipes to be pointing in a little different direction and not lining up with the holes in the firewall. Pope over on Fiatspiders cut the shaft on his, rotated it into the correct orientationan and rewelded it so it lines up right. Here's a picture of his, you can see the weld just up from the mounting base.

Ron

[courtenay]

Good old Pope could probably make a bit of money reworking a lot of these valves for those of us not as handy with a welder as he obviously is!

[rlux4]

Right on Bruce. Too late for me though, I gave him a good chewing out for coming up with the idea after I already cut my firewall for the new ceramic ball valve type I put on.
Ron

[baltobernie]

Those of you who have replaced a heater valve know how fragile and corrosion-prone those two tubes are. I'm surprised none of our vendors have not tooled up new stainless tubes, bent to the correct geometry that accommodates the X1/9 valve.

In the meantime: http://www.dcfiats.org/tech/Spider_heater-A.pdf

[1981spiderman]

Hmmm sounds like I will have to do modifications to the valve/piping regardless. A. I am not a welder. B. Bending a pipe that is 31 years old a bit risky. C. For a guy with limited mechanical abilities, what is the best modification/technique for proper fitment, (bending, cutting or other), and D. Where is the best place to procure said valve and gaskets. Thanks again

[So Cal Mark]

lots of owners merely cut the pipe and use a short length of heater hose to splice it in the proper orientation

[1981spiderman]

is it advisable or possible to cut the pipe near the firewall and then at the valve rather than have hose pass through the firewall. I am not sure how long the pipe in question is to begin with. This could possible eliminate the need to enlarge the firewall hole.

[azruss]

I just put a small piece of tubing and kept the metal at each end

[Exit98]

Spiderman,

Just order the valve and go for it. I'm no mechanic and I got it done. It is a PIA for sure but in the end it's just 4 bolts, 2 gaskets and probably a short length of hose and a couple clamps. Youir local NAPA counter guy can probably help you out with the connecting stuff.

Here's what I learned. Taking out the passenger seat is strongly recommended. I didn't but I will the next time. You have to lay on your back on the passenger side floor with your head on the footwell. Get some good light in there. When you undo the valve bolts coolant is going to come out so put some plastic on the floor and have some rags handy.

My Spider's a 76, don't know if yours is any different. There are 4 12mm bolts (I think 12, mabe 10mm). 3 are cramped but accessable. The fourth one you can only get to with an open end wrench and even then you can barely get an 1/8 of a turn or so. There's a thick black plastic tab from the heater box that blocks access.

So here's my big tip. Once you get the damn thing out of there get your Dremel tool and cut back the black tab. It's not doing anything important. Now when you go to put the new valve on you can reach the bolt that was blocked before. Take your time with the two gaskets. You don't wnat to have to do this twice. (I did).

Good luck.