Re: need T-3 heat exchanger advice

["Melissa & Jim" <jadney@vwtype3.org>]

On 11 Dec 97, GRAVCASEY wrote:

> I am replacing the muffler on my '65 Notch and would really appreciate some
> advice on how to loosen those large nuts that attach the fresh air heaters
> (heat exchangers) to the muffler.   

This is not a job for those afraid to get dirt under their 
fingernails, nor for those not well-tooled.  Remove the old muffler 
and the rear heater boxes.  Use a torch on the head studs to warm 
them up to a dull red and you won't break the studs.  Use a cutting 
torch to cut the muffler from the small boxes; cut as close to the 
boxes as possible (flush with the nuts.)

Put the boxes in a LARGE vise which is attached to the proverbial 
immovable object and heat the nut round and round, inside and out 
with a large torch tip; this takes a lot of heat and will require 
acetylene and oxygen, propane and oxygen, or MAPP and oxygen.  Don't 
even bother trying to do this with a simple propane torch.  When the 
nut can be seen to have just a bit of a dull red glow (with the torch 
removed) put down the torch and pick up your 1-7/16" combination 
wrench (I may have the size wrong here) and slip the box end over the 
nut and PULL!  If it won't move, heat it a bit hotter and try again.

> Also, does anyone know where I can find replacement rubber sleeves/hoses that
> connect the fan housing and fresh air heaters (heat exchangers?)

Try WCM or your dealer.

Jim
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       Melissa Kepner                                    Jim Adney
                             Laura Kepner-Adney
                         jadney@vwtype3.org      
                             Madison, Wisconsin
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