For some time, my heater had been disconnected by running the two heater ports from the engine block into each other(I didnt do this, the previous owner did). I just recently connected the hoses into the proper areas, but im receiving nothing but cold air. I assume this problem has something to do with the heater core under the glove box. The entire unit winds up and blows air, so it seems to work at least halfway. i know almost nothing about heating,so it would be great if I could get some advice on this subject.

Thanks all!

Aaron

p.s. I drive a 79 210

people tend to bypass the heater core if it's been leaking.

If the valve has corroded, it will get stuck and even though the selector operates it doesn't open the valve to make heat. if you're really lucky it gets stuck open and you have heat all the time lie an MG.

Also the hoses that connect to the heater are likely to be bad since they're a pain to change.

Thanks for the advice, i'll check that out. I think my crappy haynes manual might give me an idea of the anatomy of the heater core. The last time I looked at it, it seemed to have some lint crammed in there. Would that have anything to do with it?

If you can see the valve operate then it might be something else. You could have lint, or a pack rat nest blocking airflow. But that's less likely. I'd look into making sure the valve for the hot water works and the flapper valve in the air box is sending air through the heater.

just check if the slider cable is moving on its own and the housing of the cable stays stationary, this can result on the cable and housing bending and the valve will stay shut.

if you cant get it working, put one in from another 1200 or just add insulation to the panels and wear a jacket

If it was a 1200, it would be simple. But he has a B310.

Do this test.
1. From passenger compartment, see if the valve is visible (it is with a 1200, to the right of the heater against the firewall). See if the valve opens and closes when you move the Temp switch on the dash from cold to hot. You might be able to disconnect the cable and move the valve manually.

2. From the engine compartment, run water into one hose going into the heater, it should run right out the other side. If it does not (and the valve is open) or if it just trickles out, the heater "core" is blocked and must be replaced.

Even on the B310 it is easy to replace. Just a few clips on the heater box opens it right up.

007,
If you need a heater valve they are still available for the 210 part#27116-w5600
and run about 35 to 40 dollars through a dealer. The core is also available 27115-w5010 and runs close to 200 dollars or maybe take it to a radiator shop anc have them flush it and check for leaks. BTW are you in north Arizona?
Cheater_5 that was just cold,,,,no pun intended ha ha

Thanks for all the awesome information guys, I really appreciate it. Kelmo, I live in North Phoenix for now, but i'm moving back to Indiana in 2 days; hence the reason for this post. I'm hoping to finally do some body work and paint, get some parts casted, fix my brakes,shocks and timing. I'll be sure to post more pictures as the work endures.

P.S. - does anyone know about easy/simple brake upgrades (if they exist) for my car? Maybe thats another thread...

- 007