Hey guys, so my dash is all ready (pending clock restoration).

Windshield weather strip and this water **** are the only two jobs i need to get done before putting the dash in.

What is a good sequence to take this one out as it leaks when i put the car in heater mode. Hopefully there is still vacuum (in think there is as i can move between hot and cold). During hot it leaks very small drops, good enough to rust my floor. Problem is my new carpet is also installed.

I am thinking remove the pipe from the engine and let the coolant drain as much or should i drain from under the radiator?

Once that is done, put a ton of towels under this thing and carefully take these pipes out and let the heater core drain in a bucket or something?

what u guys think?

I used a wet/dry shop vac to suck all the coolant out and used the vacuum suction on the heater core to check it for leaks,cracks. Then new valve and hoses. I move the controls levers when I drive mine to keep things freed up.

My tip to save your back is put a couch cushion on the door sill and use 1/4" sockets. It's one of the hardest jobs I've done that sounds easy. Have fun!

 

This thing was quite a work. I avoided the nightmare as the two screws holding this too the heater core were rusted like hell. Luckily with some penetrating oil and patience they came off.

 

Yeah that's probably one of the worst designs for a valve.  I've had plenty of curse words during my time working on that thing.  Do it right or you'll be back under the dash again later.

53 minutes ago, Mike said:

Yeah that's probably one of the worst designs for a valve.  I've had plenty of curse words during my time working on that thing.  Do it right or you'll be back under the dash again later.

Plus there is another temperature operated valve next to it, like one was not enough.

Any idea guys where to get the two water hoses, one is a U and other is kind of odd L shaped. I have a feeling mine might be reusable, i am pretty sure then water droplets were from this water co*k. There is plenty of rust on it and might have some pitting which was leaking. I have a spare one which is much better shape which i plan to install tomorrow and run the car to check for any leaks.

https://zcardepot.com/search?q=Heater+hose&type=product#

Looks like MSA also has the valve... double check to make sure this is the right one...  I am not sure what car you've got.

https://www.thezstore.com/product/2576/factory-heater-control-valve-79-83-280zx-with-auto-ac

MSA also gives discounts to members, just need to provide them with your membership ID.

 

42 minutes ago, Mike said:

Looks like MSA also has the valve... double check to make sure this is the right one...  I am not sure what car you've got.

https://www.thezstore.com/product/2576/factory-heater-control-valve-79-83-280zx-with-auto-ac

MSA also gives discounts to members, just need to provide them with your membership ID.

 

Mine is 77 and it is a bit different.

8 minutes ago, MH77280Z said:

Mine is 77 and it is a bit different.

Ah yeah looks like they are out of that model...  might want to give them a call?

https://www.thezstore.com/datsun-280z-1977/product/2579/factory-heater-control-valve-8-75-78-280z

3 minutes ago, Mike said:

Ah yeah looks like they are out of that model...  might want to give them a call?

https://www.thezstore.com/datsun-280z-1977/product/2579/factory-heater-control-valve-8-75-78-280z

I will check, they might re-manufacture the current one or can point to someone who can. Meanwhile I found one through craigslist in a decent shape, arriving this week.

This old thread might be helpful.  It has links to other useful threads also.