What if I just cap off my 3.2 heat exchangers?

[v9ff]

Since my heater blower has been on its last leg, I've been thinking about removing the heater blower system.

1. I was planning to remove the blower and duct stuff from the engine compartment.

2. Cover the gap next to the fan with a block off cover.

3. Cap off the heat exchanger inlet holes from the engine.

Everything has been covered in previous threads except I don't think I've ever heard of anyone just capping off the heat exchangers.

Is it okay to do this or will it mess something up?

Can I still pull heated air from the heat exchangers by opening the vents on the other side of the engine where it enters the cabin?

[david914]

Not sure about that. I know that the heat exchangers are cooled by the engine fan whether you're using the heat or not. I noticed a substantial drop in oil temps when I replaced one of the engine shroud to heat exchanger hoses last Summer. I'd leave the basic heater in place and backdate the engine compartment stuff.

[Jack Olsen]

Just run the exit hose to some place where hot air can exit to the atmosphere.

[v9ff]

Originally posted by JackOlsen
Just run the exit hose to some place where hot air can exit to the atmosphere.

I'm not sure what you mean, Jack. Are you talking about where it exits at the front of the engine or where it enters at the back? Assuming that the back of the engine is towards the rear.

Thanks!

[Zeke]

I think he means to front hose.

[Quicksilver]

If you just cap off the heat exchangers then the hot air from them will rise into the tube that runs from the blower to the heat exchangers.

Then the tube melts down. . .
(Ask me how I know.)


Wayne

[KFC911]

OK, I'm sooooooo confused, and this thread has perfect timing, since I removed my heater blower, etc. last evening, and have the same issues. On the picture (with the red arrow), isn't the air flow entering the heat exchanger here (w/ the air being 'pushed' through the plastic duct attached to the engine shroud? I was going to customize a hose/etc to go from the (now open) slot in the shroud to the opening (inside the engine compartment) to the heat exchangers. Have I totally missed the boat on this one? Help, before I do something really dumb!

[Bones]

It sounds like you are doing the same as the well described heater backdate mod only making your own custom parts. I don't see a problem providing the fan is pushing air through the heat exchangers. Some people seem to be suggesting that just blocking the HEs of where they normally attach to the fan hoses is sufficient, it may ne only time will tell but I'd be worried about the heat build up ubder the engine, it's hot enough under there even with the fan being allowed to work properly.

[juanbenae]

if you decide to do the heater back date let me know. i have some of the parts you will need and you can have them for a song. i live in sunnyvale so there wont be shipping hassels. if interested let me know and i can tell you specific like what i have.

[v9ff]

Originally posted by k911sc
if you decide to do the heater back date let me know. i have some of the parts you will need and you can have them for a song. i live in sunnyvale so there wont be shipping hassels. if interested let me know and i can tell you specific like what i have.

What sort of parts do you have for a heater backdate?


Cheers,
Steve