BAD heater control valve

[taylor120]

'81 Fiat 2000 fi with A/C removed

Hello,

I have a bad heater control valve and could use some help finding a replacement. I have found some on the web, and like the idea of the ceramic ones, but I am afraid to pull the trigger due to some information I read on the blog. I heard that the valves currently available are not a direct fit, and some reworking is required. Is this correct? I may have just misread the thread, so could someone please just set me straight and point me in the write direction?

Also, since I'm a newbie I don't know where the best places are on the web to buy parts. Can some of you chime in on where you like to buy parts?

You guys have already made me feel welcome here, Thank you again

[4uall]

our moderator http://www.allisonsautomotive.com/products.html

http://www.autoricambi.us/

http://www.international-auto.com/

http://www.midwest-bayless.com/storefro ... fid=208227

http://www.vickauto.com/newstore/

etc etc etc

[launieg]

Here is a good thread with photos:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... &sk=t&sd=a

As for suppliers, I certainly recommend Vick's, but I happened to buy mine on Ebay out of Russia. Excellent product and excellent service, super price - but maybe I just lucked out? Could be.

Have fun. A bit tricky but well worth the effort.

[taylor120]

Thank you for the post's! This was the exact information I was looking for and couldn't find. I think I will bypass the valve for the summer, and this fall I will replace it when I do the radiator and new electronic fan. I have been eyeing a new aluminum one from summit that also has a built in tranny cooler. This way when I flush the system everything will be nice and clean

Do you think this would be a good choice for the radiator and fan? I'm undecided on putting the fan on the outside of the radiator or inside.

It also has a bung for the temp sensor. size is 19" high by 22" wide. I think it will fit. and it's only $170

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-381008-3/ 2215 cfm 16" Summit thin, puller style fan, should be enough flow!

[azruss]

the info is right, the current heater valves are not a direct fit. the problem is the tubes going into the firewall are at the wrong angle. I think these are stock valves for an 850, but that is all thats available. many have different solutions to this. i cut a section out of each pipe and replaced with rubber hose. Easy solution if not elegant.

[124spiderman]

The valves fit. You only really need to slightly bend the inlet tube (pipe that feeds hot water in from the head).
Just heat it up with a blow torch and bend it slightly. Otherwise it wont line up with the pre-cut hole in the firewall.
Choose carefully. A lot of replacement heaters are rubbish. Its a bitch of a job and awkward access makes it more-so.
The heater valves available - or the angle - are based on the 124 sedans. The Coupes and spiders had a different setup (they had a thermostat rod attached) and were more costly to replace and hence to reproduce. They are rare today.
I bought mine off ebay. Its a ceramic type. But beware some are so tight that the cables won't be able to open/close the valve. So check first. The tap should open freely with fingers.

[So Cal Mark]

We're having new stainless pipes built that will have the correct bend to fit the valves that are being used as replacements. The valve is really an X1/9 valve and the angle is slightly different. I'll have the new pipes available within a few days

[ososbob]

Where did you find the radiator?

[DocGraphics]

Thats good to hear Mark, I have not had an issue with mine but many have & it's great that your addressing a much needed part to make the available replacement valve work better in our cars.

[LIQUIDLOUNGE]

We're having new stainless pipes built that will have the correct bend to fit the valves that are being used as replacements. The valve is really an X1/9 valve and the angle is slightly different. I'll have the new pipes available within a few days

Mark; any updates on this? Will there be a water choke version? Thanks

[MrWampus]

HELP! My heater valve just started leaking inside the passenger compartment! (81 spider, no A/C) The valve only seems to leak if it is open and it leaks pretty profusely. It does not appear to leak when it is closed. The leak does look like it is coming straight from the valve itself so pretty sure that's the source. I have the car parked currently at my GF's house I'm afraid to drive it because I'm worried that even with the valve closed it may fully fail and empty the contents of my cooling system into the cabin. Is that likely or should the closed valve hold?

Second question, Mark do you have the modified tubes ready yet? I need to go ahead and get a new valve and tube. I plan to have a local Fiat mechanic do the work for me. Should I chance driving the 10 miles to his shop or have the car towed in?

[So Cal Mark]

yes we have the new pipes in stock. If you're going to drive it, leave the radiator cap loosened to the first notch so no pressure builds up