imfinlay

So now my day is complete.... just removed the console on my '89 auto (RHD), took the base off the comb flap actuator, twisted the arm gently to release the actuator arm and ... CRACK!.... broke the bit in the heater box thingy that joins the comb flap to the arm. Worse (probably) it dropped down into the box.

Now what the &*%% do I do? Apart from scrap the damn car in sheer frustration of course.

I can see the console has to come out fully, and there's other stuff in the way, but I'm blinded by aggravation at the moment.

All suggestions appreciated.

Ian
'89 S4 auto and royally p*ss*d off with it.

Gary Knox

Ian,

Sorry to hear about that accident with the comb flap (I know breaking it WAS NOT intentional!!). IF you decide you want to replace the entire heat exchanger unit, we have an excellent one that Earl Gillstrom and I removed from an '88 with 62K miles on it last spring. Just wanted you to know in case that is the only solution. Best wishes, and again - sorry.

Gary Knox
West Chester, PA

imfinlay

Thanks! Does anyone know if the RHD and LHD cars have interchangeable units? Also, it looks like the bottom of the heater box comes off (so at least I could get the broken bit out). Anyone know?

Ian

ROG100

Ian,
Drill a hole next to the actuator about 1" in diameter. That will allow you access to fix the problem.
When you are finished cover the hole with a suitable piece of plastic/alloy and glue in place.
There was a thread on this subject within the last two weeks - do a search.
Good luck,
Roger

imfinlay

Ah, clever. I did search for "comb flap" - didn't find much. Can you post a link?

Ian

ROG100

https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...16#post1191532
Try this

imfinlay

Thanks - I searched for 30 mins and didn't find that one!

Sadly, the bit that's broken is the black plastic bit that is part of the comb flap.

So, searching PET etc. I can't find a p/n for the comb flap, let alone a clue on how to change it. Any thoughts?

Wally must have had a heater box apart, surely.....

Ian

UKKid35

Pirtle - "If the green line (defroster flap) fails to hold vacuum - Best of Luck!"

Oh - Great...

khalloudy

Defrost Flap can be accessed by removing the Instrument Pod which makes it really easy or by (preferably removing driver seat), lower kick shelf, side cover of center console.. it requires some patience and work, but so does the rest of the car

UKKid35

Thanks Khalloudy - wonder if that's the case with a RHD car as well...

IcemanG17

the center-comb flap really doesn't do much besides leak....the manual lever at the center vent essentially does the same thing.....just cap the leaking acutator and forget about it!

docmirror

In this case, I would set the comb flap all the way open, and just glue the damn thing in place. WTF good is it anyway? (yes, I do know it's original intended purpose) Move on to more important stuff.

Doc

imfinlay

Cheers all - it's not the actuator that's bad. I fixed that, but in the process of freeing the metal actuator arm from the plastic bit on the comb flap, the comb flap bit broke off. So, I have a good actuator with nothing to actuate!

The RHD cars seem to have the following differences from LHD:

1. Vacuum lines route out the right side of the soleniod block
2. The setting motor is on the right side of the heater
3. The footwell actuator (I think) is on the right side above the setting motor
4. The comb flap actuator is in the same place as a LHD car, but the orange pipe heads over to the right then down to the solenoid block

Otherwise, it seems to be the same.

My plan now is to get a replacement heater box and put it aside for a summer job. At least I can clean and prep it, and examine the fixings etc. And now I know how to get the console out! And, since I have to pull the pod, I may do a lighting upgrade and fix the dead "2" indicator. And..... and.... and.....

Ian

imfinlay

I'm confused - this thread was 2 pages - what happened to the other 5 or so posts?

Hilton

Ian.. long-time bump, but I've seen you post on the UK list so if no reply here I'll try there.

Did you ever manage to repair the comb flap arm in your car? How?

Cheers!