Cool/Heat: Heater Control Valve

[jlmccuan]

I got the chance to rebuild a '63 Hawk HCV. The rebuild kits consist of the seal washer which solves the leakage into the cabin but does not repair the flow control. This particular valve had the neoprene head broken and stuck in the seat keeping the valve from closing completely and blocking flow reducing the heat output. Eventually, I found the company that bought Ranco and we're working on getting new manufacture parts for these valves in the US. In the meantime, I made a new part on the lathe using a neoprene stopper as a base stock. I will do similar repairs for other forum members if they would like.


This is the washer seal supplied in the NAPA kit


The flow control seal made from neoprene stopper.



The flow seal assembled on the valve rod.

[r1lark]

This is quite timely, since I just pulled the Ranco heater valve out of my '54 sedan. Got it apart ok, but the stem and valve disc surprised me. I have attached a picture.

Jim, is this what yours looked like before you put the new flow control seal on?

[jlmccuan]

That's it all right. There were bits of hardened rubber intermingled. Enough to make out that there was a lot more there at one time. When I got details from the Swedish guys who got Ranco, I was able to reconstruct the dimensions to make a replacement part.

[Chucks Stude]

Jim, thats great that you want to tackle repairing these things. I tried it, on a 62, and it turned out to be doa. Someone had crushed the tubes going into the valve, and none of that stuff is available. They only other repair place for these valves is in California. Where does the temp sensor go on that valve? Mine was just shoved into the insulation on the firewall. Does it have a specific place where it is supposed to go?

[Milaca]

Nice work Jim! I have one of these leaking on a '62 Hawk. Approximately how much would you charge to rebuild one of these?

[WCP]

The capillary tube should be inserted into the outlet air stream from the heater - usually a hole in the distribution duct for that purpose.

[jlmccuan]

I'm thinking $75 for general cleanup and replacement of the neoprene parts.