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LTD-HP · 11-09-2011, 07:41 AM

I just purchased a 1983 - 310 Classic in overall good shape. Like any 29 year old vehicle, it does need some attention. I have an antifreeze leak that seems to be coming from the Torid Aire heater located underneath the couch behind the driver's seat. Has anyone had a similar problem? What did you do to resolve? Can you repair the exisitng unit, or do you have to buy a new one? Are new heaters available: if so, where do you purchase them and what is their cost? Can I simply eliminate this heater by fabricating a copper u-shaped bypass? Will elimination of the heater cause any problems? Sorry for all the questions, but I am trying to resolve this issue before I store it for the winter. Any relevant assistance is greatly appreciated: thank you for your time.

Keyair · 11-09-2011, 08:04 AM

Hi LTD-HP and welcome to the Forum!
Firstly congrats on your 310!

I refurbished mine, and learned some stuff along the way, and I am not the first!
Its not rocket science, and yours maybe similar.
Mine did not need a new core yet, I did do some research and found some inexpensive replacement cores that would fit..
You could make a U pipe to bypass it while you are fixing it, but many others have clamped off the pipes, or added valves with no ill effect I read.

While you are there its common for the 3/4" pipes to and from the Auxillary heater to need replacement... I heard that there is about 70', unless my memory is wrong... I have not got to that bit yet!
Anyway, here is my thread on the matter to get you started!
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...ter-72696.html

LTD-HP · 11-09-2011, 04:03 PM

Keyair,

Thanks for your time and the thread provided. I really appreciate your effort.

LTD-HP

Keyair · 11-09-2011, 04:27 PM

Glad to help!
We are all in this Aluminum skinned boat together...
We better be helping each other to keep the shiny thing afloat!

In no time you will be posting your experiences, trials and tribulations to help others!

idroba · 11-09-2011, 05:45 PM

When the under seat heater in my 310 started to leak, I went to a local full service radiator shop and they were able to locate a core in their books that was the identical to the one I had (I took the leaking on in for them to look at). So, I was able to repair mine that way.

You could of course just bypass it. On my 310 the hot water also heated the domestic water in the water heater while running. Otherwise I would recommend just bypass the water at the engine. However, if you use the MH in cold weather at all, the rear heater is very nice to supplement the front heat.