This past weekend I did a little modification to the heater control valve on my catera. First, the reason I did this is because its a pain to get to it and second, also spending hours to replace it at least every two years. I decided to relocate it for easy access if it goes bad again. I have also attached the links so you can see, let me know what you think. Your opinions are appreciated.
I bought some additional hose, some heater hose connectors and..... lots of thinking . I had to wrap some teflon tapes around the heater hose connectors to make sure they were secure enough and offcourse hose clamps to tighten it.
Impressive! Wish I had seen this post earlier when I replaced the HCV on my '99. I even bought some heater hose and clamps in case the existing ones needed replacement. Maybe next time... :yup:
Mine takes a good 8min or so, I assume it is normal. I've never really looked at the tubing but I've always guessed it had something to do with the thermostat staying closed to get the motor to normal operating temp. Never put that much though into it though.
I got the nickname Luke Duke in the middleschool years. Followed me into my paintball career, and we started with the name a hazard to all, and quickly transformed to a hazzard to all, and it stuck to me after that.
Just curious to hear from those that did this mod, have you had to replace the HCV or had any issues? Mine is still running strong for the past three years with no changes......thanks.
I bought a "T" connector and attached all the hoses to it and plugged the vacuum line. My heater and a/c work fine still. I don't know what the point if the HCV is
Supposedly, the purpose of the HCV is to allow the A/C to work better. When the A/C is on max, it short circuits the hot water so that the radiator is not heating up the air ducts and working against cooling the air. But it surely is a sore spot on the Catera.
It's been over 4 years since I did the HCV relocate / modification in my Catera and hasn't gone bad yet. I'm guessing the excessive heat by the rear engine bay area where it used to originally be maybe causing the HCVs to short live, again just a guess and not sure if others had any problem with the mod. Also, if the HCV goes bad, they are very easy to replace, no draining coolant anymore and just use hose pinch pliers to the hoses and swap the HCV.
I did this mod to my in laws 01 catera too and it is holding up too with no problems.
Alright folks, the heater control valve (AC Delco brand) finally gave up today and it has a minor leak coming for the top side. After relocating it (almost 5 years ago) from the back to the front this is the first time I'm having to replace it. It is also a very easy swap since it is in the front, probably 15 minutes at the most.
Good thing you planned ahead. It's like I've said before, the secret to happy Catera ownership is maintanance. Relocating the HCV goes under the heading of preventive maintanance.
Thanks elvin315, yeah I'm keeping up with my 98 Catera and so far it has 115K . I had to retighten the oil cooler plate yesterday due to a coolant leak and after the oil cooler replacement I did a month ago from an oil/coolant mix. After installing everything back I noticed the minor leak from the HCV. Anyways, I order another ACDelco part from Amazon and should be here Tuesday.
Replaced the HCV yesterday and it took me only 10 minutes.
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