Cool/Heat: heater control valve repair

[lakeview7]

The heater control valve of my '64 GT Hawk seems to always be open which makes a hot summer even hotter. I know that new and rebuilt replacement valves are available, but has anyone rebuilt their own? Who sells the rebuild parts and how difficult is the process? Thanks.
Larry

[radiotech]

You can get the rebuild kit from NAPA stores, I forget the complete part number but it's something like 61-1001 It's just the diaphram and maybe an O ring. A couple of years ago they were $10.00. The valve is not hard to overhaul but you have to be careful some bent over tabs have to be straightened out and recrimped when you put it back together. Before you tear it out of the car, disconnect the bowden cable that controls it and see if that's not your problem. I've seen a lot of those cables frozen up and they're not too hard to free up just takse time. Soak the cable in kerosene, diesel fuel, liquid wrench, etc and keep trying to work it. Eventually, a week or so, they usually free up. Good luck.

[jd-stude]

I've bought the repair kits from my local NAPA auto parts store. You can rebuild the valve once pretty successfully and not hard to do. There are metal tabs that hold it together that I'm not sure would last for a second rebuild. Kit price was about $10 and I keep some on my self and could get the number off it if you need it.

Ken

[Tom Bredehoft]

Check here

http://www.studebaker-info.org/tech/Ranco/rancotb/rancotb.html

[lakeview7]

Thank you, All!

Exactly the information that I was seeking. Thanks for you link, information and expertise!

[studegary]

These valves often have a little bypass even when they are supposed to be closed. For Summer use, replace the two pipe nipples that the heater hoses attach to the engine on with pipe plugs. This eliminates all hot water in the car and still looks stock.

[55 56 PREZ 4D]

Be VERY careful after you reinstall the brass bellows/pillow and bend the tabs that hold it in place.
If that is damaged/punctured that bellows is impossible to find. It's pressurized with a gas. It's a disgusting smell.
Do a search to find info on a chevy or dodge replacement valve that is cheap and available.

[warrlaw1]

I sent mine to S.I. for a rebuild and it's working fine, now. I had a Chebby with a system that worked on vacuum (until it wouldn't work anymore). I put in a garden variety plumbing valve and just had to lift the hood to turn it on or off. Good luck!

[GEEMAC]

I have on -off valves in my heater lines in engine compartment witch i close in summer, these avantis arent thee coolest ride in town.MAC