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TR2/3/3A Attempting to install a heater in my TR3
- Thread starter Russ Austin
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TR3driver
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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Jerry said:
You might find this article interesting then. Not written for a TR3, but the same technique should work.
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2H2NJt34OffOTI3ZGQxNWYtMTI0Yi00MmQ1LThlMjgtOTEzMGUyZmRlMjVk
M
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Turns out I had my TR3 in the shop yesterday to work on the heater. They took it out, inspected the core, cleaned it up, took off the old deteriorated hoses and put new modern hoses on it. Then the problem started. There was not enough room for the hoses to bend over without serious crimping. First time around the crimp was so bad that water did not flow to the heater. They took the heater out again and turned it a third of the way around (apparently there are three ways to put it in). This time the hoses crimped again, but not enough to stop the water. The problem is that the old ribbed hoses are no longer available. BTW --This heater gets so hot that I have to turn the fan off from time to time or way down.)
If I were doing it myself, this is what I think I would do:
1. run the hoses from the bulkhead toward the heater.
2. insert a short length of copper pipe and clamp it
3. at the other end attach an l-shape heater hose (the kind used in the engine compartment).
4. attach the short l-shape section to the heater inlet/outlet.
This would give you the proper bend and avoid crimping the hoses.
Just a thought.
If I were doing it myself, this is what I think I would do:
1. run the hoses from the bulkhead toward the heater.
2. insert a short length of copper pipe and clamp it
3. at the other end attach an l-shape heater hose (the kind used in the engine compartment).
4. attach the short l-shape section to the heater inlet/outlet.
This would give you the proper bend and avoid crimping the hoses.
Just a thought.
TR3driver
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If for some reason you don't want to buy the proper reproduction hoses (which as I recall would still crimp somewhat, just not as bad as ordinary heater hoses); here is another solution:
https://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=4961&location_id=541&go=Unicoil
What I did, years ago, was similar to what you suggest, except I used a copper elbow above the heater.
https://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=4961&location_id=541&go=Unicoil
What I did, years ago, was similar to what you suggest, except I used a copper elbow above the heater.
M
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Randall,
As a matter of fact, at one point yesterday as one of the mechanics was working on the car, he proposed using a copper elbow above the heater. There were three mechanics working on the car at the time, and another -- who was installing the heater hoses -- said that he thought he had the ordinary hose on well enough that water would pass through it. That's what they did, and although it is pretty well crimped, water IS flowing through.
Thank you for the information about Gates Unicoil. It looks like a good option to keep in mind should I tackle the heater on my own. I'll also look into TRF, as Kevin Browne suggests (Many thanks, Kevin!)
As a matter of fact, at one point yesterday as one of the mechanics was working on the car, he proposed using a copper elbow above the heater. There were three mechanics working on the car at the time, and another -- who was installing the heater hoses -- said that he thought he had the ordinary hose on well enough that water would pass through it. That's what they did, and although it is pretty well crimped, water IS flowing through.
Thank you for the information about Gates Unicoil. It looks like a good option to keep in mind should I tackle the heater on my own. I'll also look into TRF, as Kevin Browne suggests (Many thanks, Kevin!)
M
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Kevin,
The hoses that TRF has appear to be the same as the ones that Moss has. They are standard, modern hoses that present a problem when you try bend them to fit on the top of the heater. A "elbow" is needed, and I think either my solution or the ones suggested by Randall may do the trick.
Thanks for the lead.
The hoses that TRF has appear to be the same as the ones that Moss has. They are standard, modern hoses that present a problem when you try bend them to fit on the top of the heater. A "elbow" is needed, and I think either my solution or the ones suggested by Randall may do the trick.
Thanks for the lead.
TR3driver
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LexTR3 said:
Just curious, Ed, how do you know? ISTR Charles making a point of having the "proper ribbed" hoses reproduced a few years back. While not impossible, it seems unlikely to me they would be supplying modern, smooth hose when their description specifically says otherwise. Charles tends to be a stickler for details, and if he says it's right, it's usually right.
mrv8q
Luke Skywalker
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Ed, I used the TRF hoses with good results when I renewed all the hoses on my '3, but it's coming up on 8 years now.(!) Thankfully, I found reinstalling the heater didn' t present any problem; it might have been the first time it was out of the car.
Perhaps it's time to check those old hoses.....
Perhaps it's time to check those old hoses.....
TR3driver
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That's no great surprise; most of the Moss illustrations are taken from the original SPC.LexTR3 said:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]
In the TRF parts database, I found no description of the hoses being either standard smooth or ribbed.
[/QUOTE]
Possibly one of those "separated by a common language" things. I believe "striated" means the same thing.
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Jedi Knight
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I bought heater hoses from TRF within the last 6 months or so and they are definitely ribbed. I wondered why they were designed like that ... now I understand. Those "elbow springs" are interesting. They would have been great on a number of cars I've worked on over the years. Cheers, Mike
M
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Randall,
Thanks, I stand corrected. I'm very glad to see that the ribbed (or striated) hoses are still available, and will order some today from TRF.
And... yes, indeed, those elbow springs can solve a number of problems. Thanks again for the lead.
Thanks, I stand corrected. I'm very glad to see that the ribbed (or striated) hoses are still available, and will order some today from TRF.
And... yes, indeed, those elbow springs can solve a number of problems. Thanks again for the lead.
In 1970, my wife and two year old son took a dead of winter trip in our 1960 TR3 from Portland Oregon to Chicago. Having nearly froze to death many times doing Champaign, IL to Chicago in the winter I knew what was about to happen. So, I went to a Portland Junkyard and bought a heater unit out of a 1950 Ford pick up. As some of you older farts might recall, heaters were optional for many years on American cars and in many cases, were dealer installed. I plumbed in the heater and installed it in the passenger compartment. It was at least 20 degrees warmer on my wife's side of the car. The two year old was bundled up on the "back seat". I knocked a huge deer over somewhere in Idaho, blew a wheel bearing in Nebraska that took two days to find and repair, and burned an exhaust valve in Champaign forcing me to drive back to Portland on 3 cylinders. Only sacrifice was loss of power in the mountains and gas mileage dropping from 20 to 10. The TR3 is a magnificent automobile, a thrill to drive, and a workable challenge on every trip. That's why, 40 plus years later, I'm still working on one.
