79 SC Heater Control hints

[OldTee]

My heater control froze on one side. On my 79 the control wire is twisted (by design) at the cockpit control and disappears into a tube that magically splits to the left/right valves. It does not look anything like the picture for manual controls on page 801-7 in Bently. What happens is the twisted wire binds up in the tunnel. I have poured a ton on oil down the tube. I am hoping that this will free it up over time. The wire is not broken. It is cold on the East Coast but not being able to control the temp is not going to work either. Any tricks would be appreciated. I don't know how many years they used this twisted pair cable, but it is a poor design not up to good German Engineering standards.

My part time solution will be to pull a wheel every time the weather changes and re-adjust the valve to open.

[dano]

I had a similar problem with the control cable under the dash in my '79 SC. I put a lot of oil down the cable which helped but I also had to bend it back to shape in the middle as it became kinked. I doubt you can do the same if it is kinked inside the tube so you may have to replace the cable.... not a fun job I'm sure.

By the way, where is Derwood? Good luck.....

[UTKarmann_Ghia]

I had a problem with mine where the cable had a 90 degree bend before it went into the tube. That didnt work worth beans. I took apart the dash control unit and bent the cable back straight. It works, but I'm now careful about how hard and fast I push it over.

btw, I'm from Eldersburg, MD...never heard of Derwood either

[OldTee]

Between Gaithersburg and Rockville. Derwood is better than Rockberg! Spit'n distance from Shady Grove Metro!

[Leland Pate]

Are you talking about the dash control cables, or the heater lever cables between the seats?
If it's the dash cables, you can go to a dirtbike store and buy some engine choke cable by the foot. It is the same solid core stuff and replace the stiff cables. And if it's the between the seats cable, put a dab of lub on the lever hinges and even on the flapper box hinges under the car.

[OldTee]

NEW PROBLEM. I have a sticking pbrake cable and intend to replace them. I thought I might replace the heater control cables to the rear heat valves at the same time. Guess what, Pelican does not carry them, NLA. These are the type that are one piece from one side to the control and down to the other side with the wire twisted mid way between the ends at the control. Any ideas who might carry the old style. Thanks.

[Leland Pate]

Have you called PP about getting the cables?
SOmetimes things are listed in the online catalog as NLA and aren't updated when a new supplier comes around.
It's worth a shot.
Good luck,

[OldTee]

Yup, I called. I was told to go see a dealer. VerTex said the same thing.