Anyone know what this thing is?

[Alecb]

This saucer looking item connects to the heater core hoses. It has a few rust pinholes and is slowly leaking water. What is it? Is it necessary for my AC/heater?

 

[MoparMike1974]

Heater control valve. Vacuum opens the valve to turn the heat on.

 

[tonysrt]

It opens and closes hot water to the heater core, when AC is on closes hot water to heater core.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Them two guys don't know jack. That's an early model vacuum operated experimental flux capacitor.

 

[Dana67Dart]

Oh Rusty!

What the others said.

You should be able to find a replacement. If you can't find one for your car look at 60s 70s Ford's they had a similar valve on many cars

 

[my68barracuda]

It opens and closes hot water to the heater core, when AC is on closes hot water to heater core.

Actually the function of those vacuum units is to close off hot water to the heater core when the AC is on MAX and when the heat/AC is off. In normal AC operation they allow hot water to flow to the heater core.

 

[tonysrt]

There is a "control chart" in the AC section that shows water valve is closed in all AC positions regardless of whether AC or Max AC.

 

[Kendog 170]

Maybe Rusty can go (back to the past )and purchase one for you !

 

[BWDart]

Them two guys don't know jack. That's an early model vacuum operated experimental flux capacitor.

With optional rust included

 

[dano]

I thought that valve was located under the dash? Dealer installed AC?

 

[my68barracuda]

There is a "control chart" in the AC section that shows water valve is closed in all AC positions regardless of whether AC or Max AC.

If it worked as you describe it would not be possible to affect (warm) the air out put when AC is selected. But one can affect the cold AC out put by using the Temperature Control lever. The Temperature Control lever blends in air that has passed through the heater core. Only on Max AC and when the system is Off is the water to the heater core blocked.

 

[tonysrt]

The FSM 71 & 75 say the water valve is closed in all AC positions. The Temperature slide admits warm air in to raise Temp. if too cold. Why would you want hot water in the heater core when you're trying to cool down the car. If you don't buy this maybe read the FSM or do you feel Chrysler is wrong.​

 

[slantsixdan]

The heater valve belongs there; not a good idea to try doing without. Current-production heater valve looks a little different but works the same, won't corrode/rust, and costs very little; that's this one.