More Knob Problems

[ianf]

After Tahoe's problem, I find I have one too! I'm determined to get my new heater valve working from the dashboard push/pull knob. The problem is I can't push it in more than about 1/2 inch and it is sticking out almost to the edge of the crash rail. I have tried pushing it, twisting it and pulling the cable from the engine bay. Am I missing something, do I need to remove from the dash to push it back together?

Thank you in advance for all helpful suggestions and no doubt the humerous ones too!!

Cheers,

Ian

[45bvtc]

You only have inner and outer cable 'adjustment' at the valve end, so: 1) release the inner cable clamp at the valve end, 2) close the valve fully i.e., move the lever away from the bulkhead, 3) push the heater knob fully into the dashboard, 4) re-tighten the clamp on the inner cable, 5) test by pulling the heater knob out from the dashboard; you may need to re-adjust slightly to suit your own installation.

[Keith Scarfe]

Se also this thread http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/elan-f14/heater-control-cable-wont-push-the-control-valve-shut-t25058.html It might help.

[jimj]

It sounds as if the inner cable is seized in the outer. Copious penetrating fluid squirted from both ends might free it. Otherwise you`ll have to remove the whole thing and carefully cut off the outer and replace just that having cleaned up the inner to a nice smooth shine.
Jim

[ianf]

Thanks for your replies and previous thread - Jim I think that the cable may be semi-seized if thats possible as there is movement of about 1/4 " when I push/pull the dash knob but it .won't retract to the dashboard, I wondered if there was a lock function on the cable as with many choke cables where you pull to actuate and twist to lock and this has stuck on. I think I will start with the copius amounts of penetrating fluid!

If I have to remove the assembly do I need access from the back of the dash as it looks like trying to assemble everything again from the cabin side would be pretty tricky to reassemble?

Thanks again,

Ian

[billwill]

You need to get at the back of the dashboard to undo the retaining nut of the knob unit.

Free both inner and outer clamps at the water-valve while trying to diagnose the problem.

Yes it does have a twist-lock. Take care not to pull the inner all the way out, it might be very tricky to get it back in if the path of the outer is not straight. In fact initially at least avoid pulling the free end of the inner into the engine end of the outer. Put a bicycle brake nipple on the very end of the inner to stop that happening.

I take it that your inner is a single stiff piano wire not multi-strand. If the latter a previous owner has put the wrong inner into it and it will be of no real use.