69 Heater plenum: Hard to remove?
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 58
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From: Eastampton NJ
69 Heater plenum: Hard to remove?
My 69's defroster-damper 3-way actuator leaks. I have a new one in my hand. I have the console wide open, but the actuator is WAY in there! Should I pull the plenum (heater core at same time?) or fight the actuator on with the plenum in place?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 286
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From: Mesa az
I have mine out right now for a complete re-build.
If you're referring to the actuator that either directs the hot air down to your feet or up to the windshield, generally on the left side of the center vent, you'll probably have a chance to remove without pulling the heater/core/deflector case. If you're referring to the actuator in the back that selects AC/Heater you'll have to remove the heater core/deflector case. You might be able to remove EVERYTHING from the center console (all air ducts) and get it loose, but it's in there pretty tight. I'd start that way and "prove" to myself it can NOT be done without pulling the core, before I'd go to the trouble of pulling the core. That's alot of work and to be avoided.
Just wondering, what failed in your actuator? The front seal failed on mine and I just found a used one at a 'Vette junk yard.
Andy
If you're referring to the actuator that either directs the hot air down to your feet or up to the windshield, generally on the left side of the center vent, you'll probably have a chance to remove without pulling the heater/core/deflector case. If you're referring to the actuator in the back that selects AC/Heater you'll have to remove the heater core/deflector case. You might be able to remove EVERYTHING from the center console (all air ducts) and get it loose, but it's in there pretty tight. I'd start that way and "prove" to myself it can NOT be done without pulling the core, before I'd go to the trouble of pulling the core. That's alot of work and to be avoided.
Just wondering, what failed in your actuator? The front seal failed on mine and I just found a used one at a 'Vette junk yard.
Andy
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 58
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From: Eastampton NJ
I'm speaking of the 3-position defrost damper actuator (floor /both /windshield), mounted on the left of the plenum. I haven't got the old one out yet (this weekend's project) so I don't know what its problem is. The new one (Ecklers) has a nice seal that I may just transplant.
I can see that getting to the nuts will be a pain, and I can't even see how the actuator shaft attaches to the damper! I have all the ducts off, so if the plenum just screws on I may just pull it so I can do the work properly.
And, with everything this far apart, I may replace the heater core just on general principles. It would be my luck to have the core start dripping the first day I got everything back together!
I can see that getting to the nuts will be a pain, and I can't even see how the actuator shaft attaches to the damper! I have all the ducts off, so if the plenum just screws on I may just pull it so I can do the work properly.
And, with everything this far apart, I may replace the heater core just on general principles. It would be my luck to have the core start dripping the first day I got everything back together!
