Smoke..No Smoke

[M W.]

Hi all,

It's been awhile since I posted last and hope all is well with everyone. My question concerns my 64 which hasn't been driven much but occasionally on nice days. I noticed the last few times it has been driven while the weather is cooler when I select the heat smoke begins to bellow out of the vents but when you push the knob back in the smoke stops. Not sure why this is happening but would appreciate any help. I will take the radio panels off today and remove the glove box but thought I would start by asking the professionals here first.

Thanks as usual,
Craig

[Mike M.]

Re: Smoke..No Smoke

heater core probably leaking and will need replaced. if its leaking minimally now, it'll get worse and saturate the rugs. mike

[Tom H.]

Re: Smoke..No Smoke

I agree with Mike. Heater core job dead ahead !

[M W.]

Re: Smoke..No Smoke

Thanks guys. Is there anything else I should check prior to removed heater core? Can the core be removed from the engine compartment or does it need to come out from inside? The easier the better for me. All thumbs.

Cheers,
Craig

[John H.]

Re: Smoke..No Smoke

Thanks guys. Is there anything else I should check prior to removed heater core? Can the core be removed from the engine compartment or does it need to come out from inside? The easier the better for me. All thumbs.

Cheers,
Craig

Craig -

You'll need to remove the inside heater box to replace the core; recommend you also get the heater box seal kit from Doc Rebuild, and have the new heater core pressure-tested before you install it; you only want to do this job once.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Smoke..No Smoke

I did my 63 about 5 years ago. I used references from "The Corvette Restorer, Vol. 26, #2, article by Randy Merzdorf", and an article in the January 2003 edition of Corvette Magazine, pages 91 thru 95. Both were well written and complete with pictures.

The only place I deviated from their instructions were when it called for the need of a helper - I did mine alone. The hard part comes when you are trying to put the "sandwich" back together. You must hold the inner housing up tight to the firewall in order to compress the outer gasket foam enough to get the pal nuts to engage. I used a roll of duct tape wedged between the under dash cross brace and the housing to hold it up tight. It worked like a champ. We don't need no "stinkin helper"! It would be nice to share your beer or get your wife's hands a little dirty, but not necessary.

Stu Fox

[Peter J.]

Re: Smoke..No Smoke

Craig,
I just did mine on my 66. Get the deluxe get from Doc Rebuild not the basic. First time mine had been out and the adhesive GM used was still holding on for dear life.
Pete

[Todd B.]

Re: Smoke..No Smoke

We don't need no "stinkin helper"! It would be nice to share your beer or get your wife's hands a little dirty, but not necessary.

Craig:

If you do decide you need another set of hands, call me - I'll be glad to come over one evening & help.

Todd

[M W.]

Re: Smoke..No Smoke

Hey Todd, I sent you a message on the CF but didn't hear back. Sorry I missed you when you were in town, I took the core out yesterday and cleaned up the heater box. I am on the road for the next two weeks but when I return I will most likely need some help. I appreciate your offer.

Cheers,
Craig

[Todd B.]

Re: Smoke..No Smoke

Hey Todd, I sent you a message on the CF but didn't hear back. Sorry I missed you when you were in town, I took the core out yesterday and cleaned up the heater box. I am on the road for the next two weeks but when I return I will most likely need some help. I appreciate your offer.

Cheers,
Craig

I just resent my reply to your PM on CF - not sure why you did not receive the original reply...

Do let me know if I can help.

Regards,
Todd