Coolant Leak - HELP

[saletto]

Here goes...I took my 1980 Fiat Spider 2000 out for a quick spin today as the weather was perfect. The car ran great and I remembered why I love the car so much. When I pulled the car into my driveway I noticed I was leaking coolant. I jacked it up and the leak seemed to come from an area located under the passenger seat. I checked my radiator, hoses, water pump etc, and no leaks. As I am a relative novice to this area, the only thing I can think of is that it is coming from somewhere near the heater core. Can anyone tell me if there are hoses that carry coolant there? I think there are. If so, how can I access them to check their condition. I'm sure they are as old as the car.

Thanks,

David
1980 Fiat Spider 2000

[TulsaSpider]

David,
There are two heater hoses that pass through the firewall by the dizzy into the heater core. The heater core could be leaking or a hose or the control valve.

[mdrburchette]

Here's a pic of where the two hoses will pass through the firewall:


Then you need to look behind the radio console on the passenger side of the car for what those hoses hook to. The heater core is behind the radio console but the hoses attach to a water valve on the side of it. I always thought it was clever how the PO had cut a nice big window in the console to see everything:

[saletto]

thanks. if it is the heater core and i now think it is, is there any way to by-pass it...if i don't use the heater will i not have the leak?

[mdrburchette]

I would think you could bypass the heater core by connecting those two hoses together from the engine side of the firewall.

[saletto]

I would think you could bypass the heater core by connecting those two hoses together from the engine side of the firewall.

do you know if the leak will stop if i do not use the heater?

[ga.spyder]

The leak probably wont stop ,by just not using the heater.The bypass takes a couple minutes to do.Use a brass,copper,or PVC insert to put the hoses together.Or go to NAPA and find a properly shaped heater hose(I did).My leak was the heater valve which I have replaced,but my bypass is still in place.Maybe next winter! I never drive in cold w/ the top up,so I dont miss it at all.Buy 2 rubber stoppers at Home Depot and plug the holes in the firewall to keep moisture and critters out.Easy job and a quick fix!
Craig

[saletto]

thanks craig. silly question...which two hoses am i connecting and where are they located? also, i think the trouble is the valve as well so i will definately be replacing it.

david

[rlux4]

There are two pipes at your heater core, one is on the core and the other is on the valve. One is supply and the other is return. They pass through the firewall and two hoses are attached to them. If you disconnect the two hoses from the pipes and connect them to each other the heater core is bypassed. When I got my car the first thing I had to do was replace the heater core and valve, I got them both from Mark (our moderator).
Ron

[htchevyii]

Soak the core with penetrating oil before trying to remove the valve. I used Pblaster & heat & my studs still broke off!

[saletto]

There are two pipes at your heater core, one is on the core and the other is on the valve. One is supply and the other is return. They pass through the firewall and two hoses are attached to them. If you disconnect the two hoses from the pipes and connect them to each other the heater core is bypassed. When I got my car the first thing I had to do was replace the heater core and valve, I got them both from Mark (our moderator).
Ron

thanks. the bypass was a success. onto the valve.

david

[ga.spyder]

Mike B has a great description of changing the heater control valve.It involves contorting yourself into some very unnatural positions!Some people remove the pass. seat.I moved both seats back and reclined them as far as they would go.This way I could hang my legs over the backs.Still a PITA(and back)
Craig