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ZeNiTh-PbArM · Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 10:31 pm Post subject: Leaking heater unit :(

Hi everybody,

After long years of work the heater unit in my Mk3 33 is leaking....coolant drips in the center console, inside the dashboard.
Before i dismantle everything, do you think the culprit is the heater radiator or are there other items prone to leaking? I'd hate to find out i've ordered the wrong parts and do the job twice Smile

Any tips are welcome...

regards,
zp

tvatavuk · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:24 am Post subject:

AFAIK if there is no air conditioner, heater radiator and pipe connection to it is only thing that can leak there.
on 33 Series 3 problem is you have to take whole black heater housing (inside heater radiator with pipe connectors and electric motor fan and ceramic resistor?) out of car.
Engine side
Disconnect pipes in engine bay leading to it.
In cabin
- unscrew 4 screwsholding housing to chasis
- disconnect thos few wire cables and main electric wire from fan controls, Engine side
- pull housing to firewall as much as you can and pull it up to sky
Whole box will come out a bit easier if you remove akku battery but not much since it goes upwards not sideways.

Now opening that housing is even worse and putting it all back is nightmare. Good luck
_________________
Tino Vatavuk
Little black dress which replaced Alfa Romeo 33 S 16v Permanent 4 GMo

gritsop · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:10 am Post subject:

Hi,

I had my heater core replaced some months ago... It is quite some job but it can be done.

Check out bobbbers website for an article about that issue.

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/index-old.htm

In case your car has A/C then it is much harder and you need to collect freon in an A/C shop before you disconnect everything.

The cost of new core is around 60€ in valeo packaging. If you choose original AR part then its price is at least double.

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

ZeNiTh-PbArM · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 8:43 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Thanks for the replies...some of you are very lucky, i've just ordered the heater "in valeo packaging" but the best price i was quoted for the unit is....122 euros, i had to buy it online to get the discount price of...88 euros.
Well, i suppose valeo adjusts the price depending on the country, in order to steal my money Sad

greedy bastards!
I'll replace it probably next week, fortunately i have no air conditioning but it looks like a hell of a job!
After this, i will take time to replace my engine and gearbox with a brand new unit from my stock Smile

regards,
zp

ZeNiTh-PbArM · Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 4:29 pm Post subject:

Hi,

just finished heater core replacement...
this IS a hell of a job...it requires 4hrs time and a fair amount of slang words...
will now test drive my 33!

all the best,
zp