Got a frozen or leaky heater valve? Read this.
I removed the heater valve closest to the firewall today after work,
the one that has the cable going to it. Being an ex Machinist Mate,
USN, I had to take it apart. Turns out its a ported plug valve with
a body to bonnet gasket (mine had been RTV'd), and the stem seal is
a simple O-Ring. What this means is anyone with a wire brush and
30 cents for a new O-Ring at the hardware store
can rebuild it, unless its really worn internally (if the plug
wobbles at all in its bore it will chew up the O-Ring). Do not use a
wire brush inside or on the plug, use a toothbrush and some solvent.
Mine was frozen in place, and took considerable penetrating oil and
patience to free up, and the fasteners were steel. I replaced the fasteners
with brass to match the valve and assembled with a small dab of antisieze
on the threads. Works fine, and passed a 20psi pressure test
(My air compressor regulated down, and my finger over the other hole)
This is a lot of words for a heater valve, but it may help someone out
there with one that's frozen, or a leaker.
Jim
1600 67
Chesapeake Va
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