Sorting out 2198

[linmk2]

First Jack, congrats on your acquisition. Regarding the heaters: The system is a combination mechanical/vacuum. The "Temp" control, on the center console, has a cable attached to it which leads to a vacuum control located in the left kick panel. The vacuum control has a constant vacuum source. When the Temp control lever is pulled, the vacuum control opens and sends vacuum to the two heater control valves for the valves to open. The more the cable is pulled, the more vacuum is sent to the heater valves. There are a number of things to check. First, make sure the cable is not binding somewhere. Next check all the vacuum hoses. The vacuum control is located in the left kick panel. The kick panel trim must be removed the access the valve. Even with the kick panel trim removed, the valve can not be seen, its inside the kick panel! If I recall correctly, the valve is held in place with two screws. Before removing the screws, make sure the cable is attached to the valve. If its not, the valve might fall down and be a real problem to retrieve. If the cable is in place, you can remove the screws (the screws are visible, not the valve) and lift the valve (don't use the vacuum line to lift) into view and check the condition of the vacuum lines. There should be two. One is the supply line the other goes out to the heater valves located in the engine compartment. If the vacuum lines look bad, replace them. Next check to see if all the vacuum lines to the heater valves are in good condition. If all the lines are good and/or replaced and the cable in not binding, start the car and move the Temp control down to turn on the heat. Remove the vacuum line that comes out of the firewall near the kick panel control valve. Place you thumb over the line. You should feel some suction. If not, the temp control valve is bad. If there is suction, then there is a problem with the water control valves. Hope this helps you.