[T3] Heater box cable bolt

Jim Adney jadney at vwtype3.org
Mon Apr 23 05:36:57 PDT 2018


On 22 Apr 2018 at 13:42, Stet Sanborn wrote:

> I´m down to the last two disconnections so I can drop the engine in my
> 71 auto squareback. I´m trying to disconnect my heater box control
> cables from the lever on the boxes.  They clearly haven´t been touched
> in a few decades. The bolt has become one with the cable, and I can´t
> break it loose even with penetrating oil.  

I've only found one solution to solidly rusted bolts, and that's heat. I've tried 
many different kinds of penetrating oils, including Kroil, and none of them 
have worked, even aftersoaking for weeks or years.

Use a propane torch to heat the connection, but before you start, look 
around and find all the things nearby that you DON'T want the flame to get 
near: the starter, any wiring, and the FUEL LINE. Make sure you don't let the 
flame get near any of those. Keep in mind that the flame is still hot many 
inches beyond the part you're heating.  

Heat the body of the cable connection. With a small part like this it will be 
possible to get it dull red. Let it cool enough that it's no longer red and then 
grab the connector body and the bolt and see if you can unscrew it. It may 
help to drip some oil on the thread while it's still hot, but don't let it drip on 
you. The oil that drips off will be VERY hot.

Once the bolt comes loose, remove it completely. You may find that the 
cable end is still stuck inside the connector body. If so, use 2 pliers to twist it 
and free it up. It should not be necessary to reheat it, but you can if 
necessary.

Be careful of where the flame is at all times, and don't position yourself 
where hot oil or hot parts can fall on you.

> I´m curious if you all would recommend cutting the cable for now and
> running a new one when I put in my new engine, or keep working on the
> clamping bolt.  Not sure how easy it is to find replacement cables in
> the original design, or if people just make their own close enough. 

Do not cut the cable. Correct replacements will be impossible to find. Many 
places sell replacements, but they are invariably the wrong ones and only 
the right ones will fit and work correctly. This is so annoying that I've toyed 
with making my own.

-- 
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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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