[nathanyork]

well, another year, and another winter coming around. My heater has always been marginal to say the least. when its really cold its as if its not even on. could this be due to a heater core that is gunked up? any other ideas to make it work better. I would like to drive my car as much as possible.

Thanks

 

[wbain]

It may well be, with calcium or limestone. Use your garden hose to back flush it. Use a citris flush too or vinegar.

How are the water valves.

 

[Tankernav]

I have a 1970 280SL and many years ago, replaced the heater core myself. I don't have A/C which made it easier to remove everything under the dash to remove the core. A do recall a control rod that operates the core, might check to see if it is still connected and fully opening the valve.
Also, resealed all the duct connectors, after 30+ years they were disintigrating which was lowering air output.

 

[CaseyJamesHughes]

Need '69 280 SL Heater Core

Looking for a heater core for my 1969 280 SL. Any suggestions? In Gratitude, Casey ([email protected]; 310 457 2146)

 

[flyboyike]

Try the Classic Center.

 

[S320L1999]

Looking for a heater core for my 1969 280 SL. Any suggestions? In Gratitude, Casey ([email protected]; 310 457 2146)

Forget the classic center, unless you like giving away money, and if that is the case I can recommend many charitable organizations that are in much more need.

I suggest you remove the heater core and get it rebuilt.

Post pictures so it will be of use to the next member.

 

[CaseyJamesHughes]

Found a rebuild on eBay for $550 with valve. (free shipping)
Tested to 40psi
Hope it's worth it.

 

[aluminum]

Found a rebuild on eBay for $550 with valve. (free shipping)
Tested to 40psi
Hope it's worth it.

Worth it ? are you serious >>
as already stated rebuild your core .
A Heater core is just a tiny Radiator easy to core out and rebuild .
I have had many huge truck
Radiator's rebuilt with both tanks pulled ( top and bottom ) all re-soldered up for example for $125 and that's a large truck . Yes if you need a new core that's more money .
I did pull and reinstall the unit's . A Heater core should be about $30 to $60 to clean out and reseal up if you do the R & R (Remove and Replace )
Most often a leak develops along one of the tanks ( common Failure ) .
Leak stop poured into the Radiator well ruin a radiator by clogging the runners up but a shop can simply rod them out and re-solder the unit . Thus the word Rebuilt . Any good shop could do a Heater core clean out and re solder in 30 mins once in hand .
Heck if your rich just buy a new car .

 

[rumb]

Well at least now you can rebuild your old one and sell on ebay!

The valves are the tricky part. there are 2 very special o-rings in there. the valves get stuck and take a while to get out.

the cables will break if the valves get stuck.

 

[Grubeguy]

Another option is to do some research on the physical dimensions and find something of similar size from another car. I'm sure the purists will convulse, but my dad has a Dodge heater core in his 108, and the thing can just about roast a hog when in use.

 

[flyboyike]

Another option is to do some research on the physical dimensions and find something of similar size from another car. I'm sure the purists will convulse, but my dad has a Dodge heater core in his 108, and the thing can just about roast a hog when in use.

I agree, if it fits, who cares what it's off of?

 

[ctaylor738]

The fit on these is actually critical so that the valve fits the control rod and the valve turns in the correct direction and amount when operated. The pipes need to go through the firewall at the correct points.

Also, there is one valve and o-ring.

I think sltechw113.com has them on an exchange basis for less than the one on e-bay.

 

[flyboyike]

The fit on these is actually critical so that the valve fits the control rod and the valve turns in the correct direction and amount when operated. The pipes need to go through the firewall at the correct points.

Can always bypass the valve and use one from Home Depot. Forgive me, the idea of a heater core being critical in a convertible in any context is one I have difficulty subscribing to, much less that it has to be a particular heater core.

 

[rumb]

That because you live in FLA. Here in Colorado we need heat often for top down driving! :grin

Forgive me, the idea of a heater core being critical in a convertible in any context is one I have difficulty subscribing to,

 

[ctaylor738]

I am so glad that he doesn't own a Pagoda.

 

[Grubeguy]

Were I in this boat, I'd replace the valves with something suitable or (gasp, I know) original to the car, and then braze in a new core with a butane torch and some solder. And by new, I mean something not purchased from the Cla$$ic Center, of a dimension to fit correctly.

 

[flyboyike]

Purism can be a good thing, but so can pragmatism.