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MG MGB Technical - heater controls

Early 1974 MGB: I am looking at a reprint of the operator's manual in regard to the heater controls. There is a diagram and description of a control knob extended from a rod located underneath the instrument panel just to the right of the steering column. The manual discusses turning the knob in one of three positions. I do not see such a knob. I have the two control knobs on the instrument panel. One of those operates the heater temp and the other selects heater or defrost. I also have the separate fan button. Anyone familiar with such?. Is mine missing or is the manual perhaps referencing some other year of the MGB. Thanks for your help.

Eddie
E.W. Haynes

It sounds more like the fresh air intake behind the stereo.
Look under the dash behind the stereo. There should be a knob there which has 3 positions
MGBV81

Yep, there is a flap, that lets in cold air only, on the vertical wall behind the console. It is operated by a small lever with a knob on the end on the left side of the flap under the dash. Here in cold Scotland it is a useless thing as you never want it open.
Mike Howlett

Thanks for your help. I will be taking a closer look today and see if I can find this control. Thanks again.

Eddie
E.W. Haynes

Hard to miss if you know where to look. While sitting in the driver's seat, reach down to your knee. The black fresh air knob will be just to your right. RAY
rjm RAY

Four positions, actually, i.e. 3 open ones, although it takes more of a pull to get from the 3rd to the 4th than the others which may be why (it seems) no one else other than me has discovered it. You can see this on the cut-away on P62 of Clausager (attached for those without).

It's in the left-hand footwell (it's easier to drive from the right-hand seat in some models), by the occupants right knee, is pushed forwards to close and pulled back to open. The knob is white, from 73 at least. Could have been black on earlier cars I suppose, but could also have been optional or simply not available on some cars as Clausager appears to show some cars without. OTOH could have been a different handle on the flap, 73 and later points directly down when closed, whereas the drawing in the Parts Catalogue shows it pointing sideways, making it likely to catch you knee on it as well as putting it quite a bit higher up (and hence not visible in Clausager) and making it harder to pull.

P Hunt

Yes Paul, the handle on the earlier car is shorter and sticks out horizontally with a black knob, making it harder to find and harder to use. At least that's how it is on my '69 car.
Mike Howlett

This thread was discussed between 29/11/2009 and 30/11/2009

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