Bota at -8 degrees

[Junkman]

That looks like my Cover-It before I filled it up!!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[BIGUN]

The Corvair, unlike the Volkswagen, blew air directly over the exhaust manifold then into the passenger compartment. I still remember getting the notice from GM to check for exhaust manifold leaks before using the heater each winter to prevent getting croaked with carbon monoxide.
Mine leaked oil from the valve cover onto the exhaust manifold making use of the heater a pretty smoky proposition.
/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Junkman]

I didn't reply to the original comment because I wasn't sure that I knew what the poster was referring to. The Corvair came standard in 1960 with a gasoline heater that worked much like a home oil burner heater. This became an option for the car in 1961 to 1964. In 1961 GM introduced the hot air heater that took the cooling air that was blowing over the engine and diverted it to the passenger compartment for heat. This heater did have problems when the "O" rings that the push rod tubes were sealed with went bad. The notice that was sent out by GM much later in the Corvair history was to make people aware of the carbon monoxide poisoning problem should they have a leaking exhaust manifold. This was rarely a problem on any Corvair, however with the poor quality of sealing materials that were available back then, the oil leaks were. With modern day sealants, Vi-ton "O" rings, etc. the cars don't leak oil and are very enjoyable to drive. Contrary to popular opinion, the cars are also safe and in 1971, the Federal Government declared this in the only study that they had ever done into a single automobiles safety record. This report proved Ralph Nader's theory of automobile safety to be incorrect in relationship to the Corvair. Just think, if you voted differently, he could have been president!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[BIGUN]

Yeah, now I recall, the o-rings on the ends of the pushrod tubes did get hard as glass, crack and leak as much or more than the valve covers. I recall my Dad working on these & replacing them for me.

I also recall my Corvair engine vibrated terribly when I first got it. We thought that is just the way they were. Then starter housings started breaking, two in a row. Upon investigation we found that the flywheel, which was riveted together, was about to come apart. After my Dad replaced it with a junkyard part the engine was smooth as glass.

Then there was the time the oil pressure-sending unit broke almost completely emptying the crankcase of oil before I knew anything was wrong. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Finally a ring broke on one piston causing that plug to totally foul every 100 miles or so. All this and more happened on a car with less than 80k miles on it. After this, it was time to trade. If it weren’t for my Dad doing the mechanic work and had I been paying the dealer to keep this thing repaired I would have needed a second part time job just for that. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif A "first car" experience like this makes you appreciate all those that follow.

Late Bloomer, sorry about turning your “Bota at -8 degrees” into a Corvair discussion. Seems we get off topic once-in-a-while. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[AV8R62]

My dad would start his 69 chevy truck in very cold weather
by dumping a bucket of hot water on the battery and another
on the carburator worked every time /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[AV8R62]

the "unpopular corvair" was basicly a copy of a "popular VW Beetle" with some improvements .
Corvairs had hydraulic valve lifters ,automatic transmitions, 6 cylinders & great styling and Beetles did not
corvairs even had a heater that worked.
go figure.

 

[Junkman]

BIGUN:
At 80 K all 1960's cars were well worn out. What you mention are all standard problems of the Corvair with that mileage..

AV8R62:

Glad to see that I am not the only one that appreciates the Corvair around here.....

Now back to our regular programming...... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Egon]

I can remember a 60's car with 175K on it that wasn't completly wore out. Engine and transmission were still good.

Egon

 

[cisco]

LateBloomer, you're nuts. Yes, salmon fishing in Alaska is fantastic during the Fall runs (I use fly fishing gear, so can "go home hungry" on occasion), and fresh Halibut is without equal, as is fresh Alaskan crab. That said, I'd stick with chicken rather than over-winter in Fairbanks again.
Say, you should have tried fly fishing for red drum (spotted sea bass) in the marshes along the coast of South Carolina. Lots more fight, and heft, than crappie or catfish.
Now, to place yourself in the "possibly sane" category, from the just plain "nuts" category you're currrently in, get a cab for that tractor, or acquire a snowmobiling type of super thick and insulated jump suit (plus heating pad inserts and a decent internal brandy titer).

 

[5030]

Egon:

One more off thread comment from me too.

I lkked the comment about 1960's cars being worn out in 60K.

If you live in the country like we do and if your country follks drive like the folks around here do, any car is shot in 60K or less. Our road resembles a washboard more time than not but it certainly dosen't deter folks around here from going 55+ all the time. I listen to them coming down the road, the suspension banging and clanging. Our road is littered with parts of exhaust systems, hubcaps, suspension parts and empty beer bottles. I guess the beer deadens the bumps somewhat.

I would never buy a used car or for that matter, any vehicle from a country bumpkin.