Hello..
I am new to my recently inherited Oldsmobile... i have a question regarding the copper pipe coming out of my firewall... what is it for? And why would it not be hooked up?
thanks

 

It is for the heater core .
Simple answer is that probably the heater core or it's valve were leaking coolant , and the heater was probably not really needed .
So it was disconnected rather than repairing it .

 

It is the heater core for heating the interior cabin. Its not hooked up because it most likely leaked into the interior at some point in the car's life.

It happens in the life of older cars. The easy way out for some folks is to just unhook it, as replacing it is often a pain in the tail for some.

 

It is a Ranco or Harrison heater control valve - It regulates flow of coolant to the heater core controlled by a cable operated dashboard control - They leak coolant in the interior or valve gets stuck - Frequently bypassed with the result being full-time heat.

Order a replacement from Fusick.

 

They are a pain to replace and have to come out from behind the air box on the inside passenger side. What ever you do don't throw it away because they haven't repoped them in a long time and who ever does your rebuild will need it as a core or charge you according. You may find one somewhere NOS but they are rare ...Tedd

 

You can occasionally find them on ebay but they are expensive. Fusick does offer a rebuilding service. It is a pain to remove. I replaced the one on my 54 with one for a 53 with the only difference being the way the tubes are placed. Getting the heater box out is a pain. GM used some stuff like tar back them that literally takes a small crowbar to pry loose. And then there is always the illusive nut you can't find on the firewall. Be prepared to replace or at least get your heater core rebuilt. This is not a job you want to do twice.

 

Thanks everyone for the information! I guess I will think about doing this as the car will only be driven in the summer.