Throttle Body Heater

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4babycar

Throttle Body Heater

Post by 4babycar »

Today whilst trying to get the Free-iat started I noticed a leak from around the throttle body heater. It need a new gasket. The question I have is there a manufactured gasket for this (I already have a large IAP/VICKS order forthcoming) or do I just need to make one? Also, if I make one, would it be best to use a liquid gasket or a cut-your-own type material?

Thanks
kristoj
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Joined: Thu Sep 13, 2007 11:26 am
Your car is a: 1982 Fiat Spider 2000 Turbo
Location: Ohio

Re: Throttle Body Heater

Post by kristoj »

Michael,

There was a thread on this some time ago. There is not gasket available. Some people swear by the liquid-type gasket maker, but I am not a fan. It could goo up throttle body heater, or worse, a piece of it could break loose and clog up your system. I used the cut-your-own type material from autozone a couple of years ago and have not had any issues since.
John
'82 Fiat Spider Turbo
'56 Abarth 750 GT Corsa MM
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'62 Lancia Flaminia 2.5 3C Convertible
'68 Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato
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htchevyii
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Your car is a: 1982 Spider hers 1972 Spider his
Location: Hydesville, CA (NorCal)

Re: Throttle Body Heater

Post by htchevyii »

My engine gasket set included a thick cork gasket that I could not make seal. I cleaned it well and used a thin bead of silicone and all has been good ever since.
Trey
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1982 SPIDER 2000, 1964 CHEVYII, 1969 Chevy Nova, 2005 DODGE RAM, 1988 Jeep Comanche
1972 Spider, 78 Spider rat racer 57 f-100,
So Cal Mark

Re: Throttle Body Heater

Post by So Cal Mark »

the original gasket was a cut cork gasket
4babycar

Re: Throttle Body Heater

Post by 4babycar »

Thanks! I had searched but couldn't find anything on the gasket, I guess I need to refine my forum searching skills.... again.
spider2081
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Your car is a: 1981 Spider 2000
Location: Wallingford,CT

Re: Throttle Body Heater

Post by spider2081 »

I have been wondering just how important this heater actually is? Has anyone bypassed it or just left one of the earlier ones off the car??
I thought except in extreme cold conditions the cooler the air intake the the better the performance. Even though I live in CT I seldom drive the car if the temperature is below 40 degrees. I would like to leave it off my 1980 car.
All thoughts welcome
kristoj
Posts: 909
Joined: Thu Sep 13, 2007 11:26 am
Your car is a: 1982 Fiat Spider 2000 Turbo
Location: Ohio

Re: Throttle Body Heater

Post by kristoj »

It is only really useful in cold temps (below 40 degrees F) and for that short period of time before the engine is up to full operating temp. If you aren't driving in colder temperatures, you don't really need it, though I have to say I don't think there is any real benefit to removing it either.
John
'82 Fiat Spider Turbo
'56 Abarth 750 GT Corsa MM
'59 Lancia Appia GTE Zagato
'62 Lancia Flaminia 2.5 3C Convertible
'68 Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato
'70 Moretti Sportiva S2
'12 Abarth 500
'59 MV Agusta 250 Raid


Pictures of my baby!
majicwrench

Re: Throttle Body Heater

Post by majicwrench »

Don't disable it
The air cools as it enter the throttle body, and the moisture in the air can cause icing on the throttle bore and plate. This can happen at temperatures above freezing.

It is there for a reason.
spider2081
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Your car is a: 1981 Spider 2000
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Re: Throttle Body Heater

Post by spider2081 »

One of the reasons I wanted to run without it is I have an early model chrome throttle body that I want to put on my engine. Putting the brass external heater on top of it sort of takes away the appearance. Soo I guess I have to decide how important looks are.
VAS

Give Vick Autosports a call

Post by VAS »

I will check inventory in the morning. If we don't have the gasket, we have it ordered. Give us a ring 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST.
-Jerry Lee Phillips, owner VAS
toll free USA 1 800 466-3428
4babycar

Re: Throttle Body Heater

Post by 4babycar »

Thanks Jerry! Unfortunately, right now, I think I am going to go the cut-your-own route since I want to have it running tomorrow night but if/when you get it in, I will likely get one with the next order.

Thanks again!
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