Heater hoses

Post by **iddy** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:31 pm

My heater hoses are looking a bit fragile, especially where the jubilee clips are attached, in fact they are starting to split.
I can see where the one hose joins the heater unit but not the other one. Does this mean I have to remove the heater to gain access to it? My Haines manual doesn't even have any info on the heater unit at all.
Idris.

Post by **simmitc** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 7:01 pm

It is there, and can be reached without removing the heater. The problem is all the obstructions - air intake hose, steering column, parcel shelf, and the hose that you've already identified. The only difficulty is if the clip has corroded. You can drop the parcel shelf without removing it by just undoing the screws (one at each end) that go into the area near the door hinges. Taking the steering wheel off gives more room to get your head in and see what's going on. Once the big air hose is released then the water hoses can be reached. Good luck.

Post by **bigginger** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 7:11 pm

You may find those two bolts have corroded into place, in which case be VERY wary of trying to undo them - they shear inside the mounting on the body fairly easily, creating all sorts of problems...

Post by **iddy** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 7:11 pm

Thanks Simmitc, I'll give it a bash tomorrow.

BTW there's quite a big classic car show at Tredegar House, Newport on Sunday (it's about a 20 minute drive from the Severn bridge if you are traveling from England

)

Idris.

Post by **iddy** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 7:15 pm

Andrew,
I take it you mean the parcel shelf bolts?
Idris.

Post by **bigginger** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 8:05 pm

Yes, the ones that go into the door pillars.

Post by **iddy** » Sun Sep 18, 2005 8:13 pm

Well, I dropped the parcel tray, removed the steering wheel and the air intake pipe, and then removed the easiest of the two heater hoses - and found it was about 10 inches longer than the replacement hoses

I shall put it down to experience (or inexperience!).
The two hoses I ordered are both the same size, I asume that the hose I didn't remove is probably the shorter one.

While I'm here can anyone tell me if it's worth converting my paper oil filter to the spin off type. I know I've come across this topic before but can't find it again. There's a lead connected to my current filter holder which I can't see on a photo of the upgrade kit - is this done away with or is just not in the photo?

Thanks,
Idris.

btw: I will not be replying to any posts after tonight for a few days - I off to tramp around Snowden, so don't think I'm being ignorant.

Post by **Packedup** » Sun Sep 18, 2005 8:17 pm

I'd change to the spin on filter because it's easier and less messy when you need to change it

I imagine the "kit" is just the later Mini fitting (so save a few quid and find a Mini or Metro in the breakers, can't see them wanting much for something like that), which doesn't have the warning light switch in it, and I think you can just ignore the connection and insulate/ tape up the wire that goes to it.

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Sep 18, 2005 8:22 pm

Yup, the lack of light is why some people don't like them.
a

Post by **Packedup** » Sun Sep 18, 2005 8:32 pm

What does the warning light actually warn you about? I thougt it was just a blocked filter, which if you change it and the oil as often as you should shouldn't be a problem anyway, surely?

Somehow I've managed to fit a paper type one without the warning light connector to the pickup, but as I can't find the wire to it with the loom half hanging over the wing I've not worried about it so far

Post by **iddy** » Sun Sep 18, 2005 8:40 pm

That's a good point about the blocked filter, if that's what it does. I always used to change my oil and filters every 4 months (and still do on my wife's/son's cars. I know some people think it's overkill, but I look on it as a blood transfusion

Anyway, got to pack my rucksack now. will catch up in a few days.

Idris.