SkidPalace

Has anyone dealt with their rotary heater temp control when it became difficult to move?
The last two seasons, after a prolonged period of non-use due to the summer temps, I have had great difficulty getting my heater control to the hot position. The first time it happened I actually heard a "snap" as if it stripped on the post. After manipulating the lever arm the temp selector connects to under the dash, I was able to free it up to the point of usability, but it still felt tight and sluggish.
Same thing this year, it stripped a notch or two upon first use of the season.
Has anyone dealt with this and found the appropriate lube points for the heat control linkages under the dash?
I can only imagine the selector will only take a couple more stripping events before it becomes unusable and requires a costly and time consuming replacement.
Here is a pic of the under dash linkage in question. The control cable is removed on the right hand side of the pic.

Ichimonji

Bummer. I was hoping to see a solution posted here. Thanks for asking the question. I'll keep looking for the answer.

Cheers!
Mike

SkidPalace

I think there is a more detailed thread on t4r.com. I will try to locate the link if I get a chance.

aviator

hmmm... I'd be careful about what lubricant you use since some are'nt plastic friendly and also they will generally attract dust and grit like no one's business which would increase wear and tear on the joints... that being said I would lubricate every pivot point and slip joint with a small amt of white lithium grease... if you don't have access to that Vaseline is another option...
also periodically exercise the control during the summer/off season... all you need do is spin it back and forth a couple of times... if you do it right after you start up the eng. won't have made enough heat yet to make a dif. in the cab even on the hottest of summer days...

DailyDrive

I doubt the friction is at those pivot points. Isn't there a cable and sleeve setup that leads to the actual flapper that adjusts the temperature?

aviator

the friction would'nt be at the pivots but if you're lubing stuff you might as well do it all.

Ichimonji

Thanks guys. Any thoughts on where to buy a heater control unit for the dash? Mine's stripped too.

Mike

Ichimonji

I found a new heater control online and it's en route. I'll take pics of the swap and post if anyone's interested...

aviator

Cool... pics are always good...much grass