Calling all vendors and FIAT experts -- HELP!!!

[focodave]

I am in the process of replacing my heater control valve (1980, Spider 2000, F.I.) and I know that the original capillary tube is not used on the new replacement valves.
So the word "capillary" infers that fluid is moving in that tube.
Is it engine coolant that is moving in the tube?
Where does it move , from where-to-where?
If I cut the old capillary tube and leave it hanging under the dash, will coolant leak out of it?

What have others done about this??

Please help. I don't want hot coolant dripping on my lovely wife's feet when she rides with me!

[spider2081]

In many cases a capillary tube is filled with a gas. There is no coolant in the Fiat capillary tube. You can safely cut it off. Many of the new heater control valves operate opposite of the originals as far as open and closing goes. Also the pipe through the firewall may need to be bent if you did not purchase a pipe with the valve.

[bradartigue]

It's not coolant. I don't know what they filled it with, some kind of oil. It is a thermostatic actuator, it gets hot (or cold) and the heater valve is restricted to a certain range of adjustment. I think the idea was to restrict the amount of coolant allowed in to the core once it reaches a certain temp e.g. so the little core doesn't overheat.

[focodave]

Thanks very much, guys!

[DieselSpider]

A capillary tube on a thermostatic device may be filled with oil, mercury, antifreeze or any other liquid to transfer the temperature at the bulb end to the device at the other such as a fan speed limiting switch etc. For switches they are sealed on both ends and do not transfer material. If you cut one off its best to not get the fluid inside on your skin. Believe that Leonardo Davinci was among the first to study the principle in detail as to a practical application.