HI,
7th month-so-far owner of 1966 122s still working out the kinks but learning each day. I ordered a heater control valve recently because mine is leaking coolant and stays on all the time whether i have the controls engaged or not. I had read i believe in one of the sw-em articles that if it leaks and stays on all the time it should be replaced. So i am wondering does the coolant have to be emptied out completely from the radiator/engine before one removes the heater hoses connected to the valve? Also there is the long metal coiling wire attached to the valve that attaches to the heater. What is this exactly?(a ground or earth wire?)and how is it actually adhered to the heater. The one i have appears to be adhered with some kind of resinous material which i pulled off slightly as i attempted to figure out what it was. Or is it an old soldering joint corroded or just corrosion period? And lastly my car came with what i believe was an installation of an aftermarket air conditioning unit. This thing was pretty well corroded and dusty all the way around, not too mention the compressor was given to me in a box. The former owner advised me that if i wanted to install the compressor i would need an overhaul on my b18. Since i am no longer under the hot tucson sun i removed the ac unit. All that is remaining is the hose that went from the ac to the radiator. I am unsure how to remove this hose. It runs via inside through the firewall to a small cylindrical container fastened vertically in front of the radiator on the right side i.e. passenger seat side(which i guess is part of the air conditioning unit)to the bottom left hand side(i.e. drivers side) side of the radiator. Do i remove the hose by untightening the large nut that appears to fasten the hose to the radiator? And if this is the way how do i close the opening if i don't want the hose there anymore?

hope this doesn't sound confusing

thanx

j.