autovon

I've done the required searches and found nothing on backdating an 87-89 to the heater lever controls between the seats. I am interested in doing this on my 87 cab b/c the dial control doesn't allow for precise heater control. Simply put, I'm burning up on the highest setting, and the next highest setting isn't hot enough. I don't have the engine compartment heater fan installed, the footwell heaters are apparently seized, and I understand that the amount of heat going into the cabin is based on engine RPM. I'm just thinking I'll have better control with the levers installed. Comments from the experts regarding this change or why in the heck I need heat in SoCal are welcome. Thanks in advance.

von

rusnak

von, you have the automatic heat option with servos and temp sensor?

That is a fantastic system! You really should try to get it working properly because the manual system is bad. It requires constant adjustment. The automatic one adjusts for you to maintain constant heat. The Bentley manal has a good section repairing it. I think you also should replace the footwell blowers. I would replace the engine blower too.

autovon

Really? Huh, it always seemed like a better system to have manual control, but I'll take your word for it and try to get my system working properly. Anyone else have an opinon? Thanks rusnak.

rusnak

I'll trade ya if you want! Mine has the 3-speed fan control. Seriously though, you need to replace those fan blowers. You can't depend on the engine fan, that simply won't work.

SPDADCT

I had the same problem with my 87 when I bought the car. Vertex has replacement blowers for the cabin (Left & Right). Once you replace these, the heater works great in all speeds (1,2,3).



-Joseph

divesnob

while this thread is a tad old - the servos in my '87 are apparently "tired". I had the cables replaced back to the flappers and it seems that the control rod inside the autocontrol box just doesn't want to move much unless I help it along.

I honestly have no problem with taking it out and trying to get the servos fix/rebuilt. Has anyone done this and maybe provide a schematic of sorts or a process? Or is it simply a task of taking out the box and figuring it out.

kevinr1247

I had the levers in my an '88. I have to say I kinda prefer them myself. The '87 is "automatic."

Fred2746

Really? Huh, it always seemed like a better system to have manual control, but I'll take your word for it and try to get my system working properly. Anyone else have an opinon? Thanks rusnak.

Pavegeno928

Good luck on the repair...I have a manual heat 88 and getting the engine compartment and footwell blowers working was some of the best money I spent on my car...right up until I moved to Hawaii! But seriously, do it right and you'll really appreciate its capability. Good luck...

Ed Hughes

I've got auto with no engine blower. The footwell blowers are a must. Take the servo apart and take a peek-could be something simple like crud in there.

ron mcatee

If the footwell blowers are not working, it acts as a restrictor for the heat flow. I have taken mine out a couple of times and lubricated them and they still work effectively. Be sure to check the 10 amp fuses in the wiring loom.

nolift911

Take all of the blower nonsense out and backdate the heat with some levers...save yourself some weight in the process.
There is plenty of heat (remove footwell blowers completely) and the engine fan blower system and let the engine fan do the work...control with your levers.

I would guess - 10-15lbs.

I have an auto heat module from an 84 with 33k on it...worked fine if you want it for a few $$.

markmalin

I'm in the same boat right now with my 85 auto-heat, but my issue is that the P.O. removed everything and seems to have lost the interior temp sensor. I'm seriously considering a backdate, removing the engine fan (and maybe the footwell blowers) and putting in manual levers. Can you tell me about how you did that? What parts you needed, etc? We can talk off line if you like - just email me at: mjmalin (at) uwalumni (dot) com

Mark.

theiceman

Nothing wrong with an automatic heat back date thread . keep it on the forum .. coz you just know someone else is gonna ask soon

rusnak

Mark, if you have everything except for the temp sensor, then the easiest thing is to buy a new temp sensor. If you don't want your autoheat, then I'll buy it from you. You can purchase everything you need for a manual system from a dismantler. Try Einmalig or 57th St Auto.