Heat Exchanger hole

[copper]

1969 911T

I have a small hole in my right heat exchanger from something hitting it. It is about the size of a dime.

What can this cause?
What are recommended fixes?
My local guy has recommended a high heat epoxy to patch the hole.


Jim

[JNadal]

Carbon monoxide will enter the cabin if it isnt fixed
Have a small piece of metal welded in

[Tim Hancock]

If it is in the heat exchanger outer sheet metal (not the exhaust tube)then it I doubt you would ever notice a difference in the heated air temp or flow so leave it be. An easy fix for this if you do not weld, would be a pop riveted steel patch.

On the other hand, if it is in the exhaust tubing and is leaking into the heat exchanger sheet metal then you need to fix by welding so that you do not get fumes into the cabin.

[copper]

The hole is in the bottom of the heat exchanger, just in front of the muffler. Pretty much at the back end of the unit. Looking at the surface, there are several round pieces in it which are about the size of a quarter and appear to be brace ends or something.

One of these has been hit from below and has shifted, leaving a small opening into the exchanger.

And yes, I do smell fumes in the cabin. That's why my windows are always down...

Jim

[Joe Bob]

Kevorkian heat exchangers....fix it before you get CO poisoning....

[Randy Webb]

Sounds serious. I'd contact John Daniels (Mr. SSI) and ask if they can repair, or should you replace, or can it be reparied by a welder where you live w/o removal. See if he can look at a photo.

[copper]

Thanks for the input.

It would seem that it's been like that for the past 16 years or so...
Ever since we first bought the car.
It's been in storage for the last 10 years and now I found it going over it in detail. The right side heater hose which leads from the engine air output to the heat exchanger was removed intentionally. The hole in the exchanger and resulting opening to the exhaust would explain why this was done.

At any rate, I'm going to take it in to my local mechanic and see how bad it is and whether it can be welded shut for a good seal.

Thanks for the advice to all.

I am learning fast.

I changed my plugs today and fell victim to the dreaded "lost socket" when it came off the extension and sat inside. But fortunately, there was plenty of info available here from past experiences and I had no problems recovering and finishing the other 5 without a hitch.

Jim

[Joe Bob]

Use the supplied spark plug wrench in the tool kit.....

[copper]

I'd love to, but the original tool kit is no longer in existence after 35 years...

Jim

[Joeaksa]

Jim,

How about a picture of the hole? Would tell a lot about where it is and the proper repair.

JoeA