On my 1982 280zx the heater does not shut off. My dad (previous owner) was using a pair of vice grips to shut off the flow to heater core to solve the problem. Has any one ran in to this? I would like to fix it corectly if possible

 

E320zx? You mean 280ZX??? Yes... check the water **** (valve). And you can use the SEARCH feature as most of your questions have been asked & answered before.

 

If you have a manual heater control system or the Auto Climate control then you need the replacement valve to be from the corresponding system.

 

I believe I have the Auto set up. I will check for sure when I get home. Where is this valve located, what do I have to remove to access it? This is what it looks like, right?

 

Yep, that's it. Passenger side, above the tranny hump.

 

I tried to replace hoses on that unit and it was a PAIN to get to.

As much work as it is, I highly suggest you remove your dash. Then carefully replace a few of those smaller vacuum hoses while you're in there.