Wife was complaining of her feet burning while we were riding in the Targa yesterday. Sure enough, it was downright hot on the passenger side. Could my heat be stuck on even though the levers are all the way down?

 

Hi,
I had a similar problem in a 964 I had a few years ago and it was because there is an air conduit that runs beside the passenger compartment and it had broken, releasing the hot air direct onto passenger's feet. Not sure if the SC is the same design. It was not difficult to pull off the side panel and have a look.
Cheers,

 

I have a feeling your heat is stuck on. Check you flapper boxes and start searching. My heat is stuck on right now. My current solution is to direct all the heat 'up' at the windshield and leave the targa top off. However this has one major flaw....rain!

-matt

 

I had the exact same problem. I checked the flapper box and it appeared to be opening in a normal way. I could move the lever and the vents on the box opened -- which should have let the heat out under the car rather than directing it to the cockpit.

But there is another "flap" inside the box that was stuck. (I am assuming it may be a sort of butterfly type valve?) (someone way smarter than me can tell you)

First check your flapper to see if it's opening and closing the vent holes. If it isn't, apply lube or tighten the cable. If that doesn't work, you may have the same issue I had... and internal baffle/valve/flap that isn't opening. Lubrication fixed mine.

 

I couldn't seem to figure out how to get into mine to lube it. Technique?

-matt

 

It was very simple really. Just a two-step technique.

Step one: Take it to a mechanic familiar with 80's Porsches.

Step two: pay him or her.

I tried to lube it but couldn't figure it out either. Not sure what the mechanic did, but he said he was able to "free it up" with lubrication. I occasionally spray PB on the whole contraption to keep it moving now. If PB can't bust it lose, you better get a torch lit.

 

Well aren't you a clever one...............



Ya, I had enough of the 'blue wrench' experience during my cat removal to last me a while, but I will try to figure something out. Thanks for the ideas. I have a feeling I will have to just swap out the bad flapper boxes.

-matt

 

double up on the springs. It's a $1,000 problem and a $2.00 fix.

I went to Orchard Supply Hardwear and got several sizes just to be on the safe side and then ended up cutting them short and re-bending the ends. Who needs heat anyway?

 

Yes, those "internal valves" (not easily seen from below) tend to stick open, thus allowing hot air to flow forward into the passenger compartment. I still haven't "fixed" mine, because my bandaid is still working fine. I removed the cover in the passenger footwell area, removed the hose, and capped the duct with a metal cap from a tennis ball can, or simply stuff something into the duct that blows hot air down toward the passenger's feet.

Keith
'88 CE coupe

 

The trouble with your car, Matt, and many others, is that the cables need to be adjusted. Your heat is stuck on, but only barely. If you climb under the car and simply use your hand to force close those valves just a little bit more, then your heat will be sealed off completely instead of partially. This works fine until you decide to use your heat again, so don't touch the red levers until you really need them.

The problem with adjusting them is that I think the only way to really do it is from under the car. And although the boxes are usually rusted pretty badly, I think they still work properly. People don't realize that 95% closed will still deliver heat inside the car. Those things have to be turned off 100% to keep heat out.

 

Ya, when I get back home I think I am going to stick it on the hoist again and take at look at that for sure.

Thanks!
-matt

 

+1

When the vent is opened (to let heat escape), you can stick your fingers inside and feel the butterfly valve that is connected to it (which closes the passage that leads to the passenger compartment).

Clear as mud huh?
..

 

Just some more info to clarify (or confuse) the issue. The external "pin-wheel" valve and the internal butterfly valve are on the same shaft. If one moves the other moves. But as murphyslaw indicated the butterfly has to be closed 100%.

Additionlly the butterfly valve has a gasket sandwiched between the two plates that make up the valve. The gasket seals around the edge of the plates when closed. If the gasket has deteriorated the valve will not seal even if closed completely. I think the gasket can be replaced separately but requires disassembly of the flapper box.

 

That's why I haven't "fixed" mine yet...someone correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the flapper boxes somewhat "permanently" attached and a PITA to remove/reattach? If not, any tips on their removal are appreciated...thanks!

Keith
'88 CE coupe

 

They might be "somewhat permanently" attached after 20 years on our cars, but they are actually bolted on to the heater tube/car body and are supposed to be removable. A thorough soaking of PB Blaster is probably in order to accomplish the task. My GF has been "suggesting" there is always a little heat on the passenger side too. I have studied the problem extensively , but I guess I need to stop talking about it and get into it myself. Redirecting to the windshield has keep her happy for now though.