Cheap heat block off...will it work?

[Oh Haha]

I found that my heater hoses had quite a few leaks in hidden areas so I removed the entire system. I don't really need it for the summer, anyway. I blocked off the opening to the fan. Will this work? It's basically the same principle as the Porsche part, just not as handsome. I left the HE connections open where the hoses connect. Is this ok?
Thanks for any tips you may have.

[Nitrometano]

yes he will work. I have a block off plate and my brothers 911 have a degreasser cap like yours and both do the work.

[Oh Haha]

Thanks Nitro.
I'll put the system back on for the cooler months.

[Quicksilver]

The connection to the heat exchangers should be blocked off too. Heat rises and the heat that can come up out of the heat exchangers will melt things! Don't block it with something that isn't super heat resistant. (I have a piece of plastic slag as a reminder!)

[Mysterytrain]

I once measure the heated air temp at the defroster vents..something like 260 degrees! You might want to find a metal cap.

[PorscheGuy79]

Originally posted by Quicksilver
The connection to the heat exchangers should be blocked off too. Heat rises and the heat that can come up out of the heat exchangers will melt things! Don't block it with something that isn't super heat resistant. (I have a piece of plastic slag as a reminder!)

I have heard thats a very bad idea, there has to be air going through the heat exchangers, even if there are no tubes ducting it anywhere its just best to leave it open. I cant exactly remember why, but im sure there are threads explaining.

[Vipergrün]

If you are not passing air through the heat exchangers, they will act as a large heat trap, saturating your lower valve covers with a lot of heat. Folks who typically run block-off plates, similar to what you are trying to accomplish, are running headers and do not need the heat. Does not seem like a good idea.

[PorscheGuy79]

Thanks for the support on that topic Brad, for the life of me I couldnt remember the reasoning behind it.

[Oh Haha]

I went for a drive today and the only downside I noticed with the heat blockoff is more oil than normal seemed to be burning off my HE's. I know my engine leaks a bit but I never noticed it burning like that. Would it have been going into the heating system and now it just goes into the air?

[JBO]

...so is the answer to leave the heat exchanger ends open when you pull off the hose? This has been the big confusion for me about backdating the heat, as reading the threads they talk of the block off plates on either side of the fan, keeping the stock exchangers but doesn't say what to do underneath when the hoses are pilled off the exchangers. This is still not clear to me.

[PorscheGuy79]

If you are using the block off plates on either side of the fan housing then you should remove all the flexible tubing and leave the openings, front and rear, on the heat exchangers open.

EDIT: Just to be clear this also means you can unbolt and remove your heater blower motor.

[Oh Haha]

I'm good then. thanks

[araine901]

I have had some some plastic paint caps on mine for 7 years. No problems. Not the best looking but will work for sure.

[PorscheGuy79]

Originally posted by araine901
I have had some some plastic paint caps on mine for 7 years. No problems. Not the best looking but will work for sure.

I find more uses for PB blaster caps then I really should. haha.

[KlaasyT]

Hi, I used the same method last summer on my 72t. Left all hoses off my exchangers and found I was consistenly running 100-110 + degrees celsius. Too Hot! I pulled the caps and hooked up the hoses and it never gets over 90. the hot air needs to be pushed out of the heat exchangers.
Clarence

[Ron.G]

I'm running a high performance cat food can. They fit like they were intended for this mod.aluminum ta boot!
I notice no increase in temp. I think I may have gained about 15 HP out of this

[araine901]

I have to admit that I have headers with no heat hook ups and have blocked off the hose holes in the tin to keep the engine exhaust heat out.