Heater cables in an 87

[cgibson67]

I know everyones tired of the autoheat posts, but I did do a search.....my heater lever inside the control module (that the servo control rod connects to) moves with alot of resistance. Both heater boxes move freely as they should. So I'm guessing the heater cable is somewhat frozen and needs some attention. Can these be lubricated, or generally just replaced? I'm assuming the latter, but when I searched for a replacement, the cable our host has is only good until 1986? Am I missing something obvious?

Thanks in advance for the help.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by cgibson67

I know everyones tired of the autoheat posts, but I did do a search.....my heater lever inside the control module (that the servo control rod connects to) moves with alot of resistance. Both heater boxes move freely as they should. So I'm guessing the heater cable is somewhat frozen and needs some attention. Can these be lubricated, or generally just replaced? I'm assuming the latter, but when I searched for a replacement, the cable our host has is only good until 1986? Am I missing something obvious?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Chris,

I'm aware of the current weather conditions in your area.

However, you should hold off on the use of the auto heat as best you can

as the small servo won't tolerate much abuse, and, are very expensive to replace.

The cables can be removed, cleaned and lubricated.

Perhaps someone will chime in with the appropriate lubricant.

Good luck,

Gerry

[frankc]

If you disconnect the cable (IIRC it's more of a wire) at the heater control box, you can slide the casing off from where it mates to the tunnel output to clean and lubricate. You may just want to replace the casings as well at this point (901.424.704.01), which is what I plan to do (new casings in hand).

Note that the above number is for a mid-year, although I don't think they changed much in this area, unless they had to re-route slightly for the G50?

[javadog]

Check the cable housing for wear and the wire for rust, etc. Replace if needed. I think that there is a different version of the wire for '87-on.

JR

[cgibson67]

Thanks for the responses guys. I'll check the housing and cable itself this afternoon and post results. Maybe just alittle bike lube will fix the problem. Seems strange that no housing or cable is listed for the 87- models in that parts catalog. I'll call PP and ask if it ends up that it needs replacement.


Gerry -- The targa has been put away for about a month now, thankfully my a4 quattro is alot more at home in the mess we got this weekend!

[javadog]

Get a copy of PET and use it to find part numbers that you need. Not only are there differences between model years in this case but between body styles, markets, and options. PET makes it real easy to find what you need.

When looking at the cable housings, look for wear (grooves) in them from the cable sliding back and forth repeatedly. New lube may not be enough.

JR

[Joe Bob]

Porsche Classic Original Parts Catalogue - Classic Genuine Parts & Literature - Porsche Classic - Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

[cgibson67]

I only had a short time to work on the car last night, but have a quick question re the housing. Do I need to remove the parking brake assembly to inspect the housing? The bentley only mentions replacing the cable, which is done by removing the heater lever and pulling the wire out. It looks like it won't be that simple to see the housing.

I've read on a couple of the other threads people pulling out the heater boxes to clean/lube. Would that be a good idea "while I'm in there" or better to leave well enough alone. They seem to work smoothly now -- I'm thinking a shot of lithium grease on the moving parts and call it good.

[OldTee]

Good thought. The auto function is slow and takes some time to self adjust so sometimes when you think it is broken, it isn't.

I'm pretty sure Porsche cables have an insert or internal covering of Teflon. Lubing one of those can cause you trouble in the long run.

[javadog]

Disconnect the cables at the distribution boxes under the car and remove the plastic housings from underneath.

JR