1979 911SC heater

[cdbartlett]

I have a 1979 911SC. When I pull up heater levers nothing happens. They seem to be a lot easier to pull up then I remember. Have they become disconnected or broken? How are they connected to the heat exchangers? Is there a wire or rod that can be reconnected or replaced? Is this a major fix (does the engine have to come out, etc.)? Will it be somewhat easy and inexpensive to remedy? I appreciate any help and response. Cheers!

[PorscheGuy79]

Sounds like the cable has snapped.

First what the cables are attached to are the flapper boxes, not the heat exchangers themselves. Flapper boxes are basically big valves for letting hot air out or (when closed) keeping warm air in and heading towards the cabin.

The flapper boxes are opened and closed by a cable that connects to that handle. (or maybe two wires depending on if you have auto heat or not) It is a fairly straight forward fix. Just unbolt the lever from between the seats to expose the wires in the center console and then jack up the car in the rear to gain access to the flapper boxes (this may be easier with the rear wheels off) and the cables that attach to them. Once you have access its just a matter of undoing the cables, pulling them out and then feeding the new cables back in. Its a lot of frustrating work IMO but striaght forward and not very complicated. Price wise, if you do it yourself, the heater lines are like 20 bucks or something like that.