Heater will not turn off

[k9save]

Hi. I have a 1982 Spider that runs well but I cannot seem to stop the flow of heated air thru the vents. I live in the Florida panhandle so you should probably understand how uncomfortable it can be, even with the top down. Does anyone out there know how to turn the heat off? Is there a stuck valve or something I need to close? Thanks in advance. MJD

[kmoses]

If you have the factory heater valve and the cable is attached and will actuate the heater valve (located on the passenger side under the dash) move the lever beside the E-brake on the drivers side forward. This should work if the hoses to and from the heater valve and core are connected correctly.

[klweimer]

Some people in warmer climates just bypass the heater altogether.
Kirk

[davery]

Hi. I have a 1982 Spider that runs well but I cannot seem to stop the flow of heated air thru the vents. I live in the Florida panhandle so you should probably understand how uncomfortable it can be, even with the top down. Does anyone out there know how to turn the heat off? Is there a stuck valve or something I need to close? Thanks in advance. MJD

That happened to mine. My guess is because I only drive in warm weather and do not use the heater, the heater valve froze up. I thought I was going to have to replace it, but got it moving again.

[k9save]

Thanks to all for the quick replies. Kirk, how do I bypass the heater? You are right in that I will rarely if ever use the heater.

Thanks.

[lglade]

Here's a video on how to do it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zSLH1mGnhI

[k9save]

Thanks, Lloyd! This site is a great resource!!

[DieselSpider]

I don't run the heater either however foggy windows do require some warmth to clear up. I am tempted to hook the heater core back up on mine (previous owner disconnected it when they put the diesel in) although I live in the Tampa Bay area since I find myself either wiping the windows with a cotton towel and using a Harbor Freight Heated Window Defroster to keep the windshield clear on damp mornings. I put in a higher amperage lighter socket with a 15 amp fuse on it to support the electric heater however its not anywhere close to as good as the factory in dash unit.

The popular method of looping the heater hose back to itself does not work out that great in hot climates as it maintains a constant flow of coolant that bypasses the radiator and can make the engine run hotter in the summer since there is no longer a positive shut off that forces all the coolant to be pumped through the radiator when the heat control is turned to cold.

[GTO]

Had the same problem on mine. It might be worth checking the two 'c' clamps that hold the outer part of the cable to either end. Mine were loose allowing the whole cable to move instead of just the inner control wire.