Coolant Leak
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi Texas
Coolant Leak
So I'm having trouble identifying the name of a part on my 87. I've got a leak where the red circle is, but I need to know what I'm replacing, it seems to be a heater control of some kind? Also, does anybody know if I have to disconnect the entire pipe setup, since it all seems to be welded together? Will stop leak maybe fix my issue? Help! 
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 5
heater control valve
Mine started leaking several years ago. Part was discontinued. I replaced with one from Carquest that looked simular. I installed it in rubber heater hose. I was concerned that the rubber heater hose would cause stress on the heater core because it was not supported, but no problems yet. I am not a fan of stop leak.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi Texas
I'm not a fan of stop leak either, but considering that this is my only vehicle and I've lost an entire bottle of coolant over the last two weeks or so, I'm more concerned about losing my engine. That being said, if I can figure out how to fix it properly I'd certainly prefer that.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,330
Likes: 2,722
Here's an alternative that was posted a while ago. I've never needed to accomplish it but it certainly looks like it could be a solution. I don't know that the open/close configuration is correct but you could certainly put a "hands on" to the parts and see what you think:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1585243883-post1.html
I believe I've seen this fix or something similar posted before.
"VetteOz" - might be by in a while also. I believe he just used hose and a "shut-off" valve. A "seasonal" fix!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1585243883-post1.html
I believe I've seen this fix or something similar posted before.
"VetteOz" - might be by in a while also. I believe he just used hose and a "shut-off" valve. A "seasonal" fix!
Last edited by WVZR-1; Nov 28, 2013 at 08:13 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 417
Likes: 11
From: Brigham City Utah
What you need is sold as a complete assembly, vacuum switch and rigid tubing.
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1986-1987.html
Karsten
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1986-1987.html
Karsten
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 12
Ran new heater lines to the core and installed a 1/2" ball valve close to the firewall so I can isolate the coolant flow through the core in summer
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
When mine leaked I bought the whole assembly, as described by Karsten.
I have heard of people just running hoses to replace the metal pipes. I do know that valve was eliminated in later years, so that is an option. What I have seen in my car is that it works fine as long as I don't shut off the engine (starting from cold). After that the heat soaks through the valve and I get hot air in the cabin even though it's closed.
Here's another fix:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-corvette.html
I have heard of people just running hoses to replace the metal pipes. I do know that valve was eliminated in later years, so that is an option. What I have seen in my car is that it works fine as long as I don't shut off the engine (starting from cold). After that the heat soaks through the valve and I get hot air in the cabin even though it's closed.
Here's another fix:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-corvette.html
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi Texas
Alright, thanks for the replies everyone! After reading through some of the linked stuff, I think I'm going to pick up a replacement piece from a different Chevy, since some seem to have the same part but without the long tubing. I figure I'll just cut the old metal tubing, smooth it out, and then connect it to the new heater control with some new tubing
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 34
Likes: 7
From: Lancaster Califonia
I just did this fix on my 85 and it was easy to do and looks stock.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-corvette.html
By the way, the part at Autozone (74800) was about $24 and the exact same part, same part number, was $50 at O'Rielly's!!!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-corvette.html
By the way, the part at Autozone (74800) was about $24 and the exact same part, same part number, was $50 at O'Rielly's!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,170
Likes: 672
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
This will continue to circulate water all the time.
Advantage; The heater core is less likely to corrode and leak.
I pin mine open so the option to close off the water in summer time is still available.
