Leaky heater control valve.

Larry,

The first pic below should be like the one from George's car. I don't know what is used for the stem packing (o-ring or seal), as I've never taken this type apart. Since his is leaking, pull it apart and find out what is used for the packing. Wilkinson shows a rebuilt exchange heater valve for $157.64.

The second pic is a replacement valve, which may look the same as yours in #7102. Note that the early valve has a 3/8" pipe thread, and the later valve has a 3/8" flare fitting. Coincidentally, both of these fittings (3/8" pipe thread and 3/8" flare) have the same nominal diameter and thread pitch (5/8"-18), with the pipe thread being tapered.

When using the replacement valve in an early car, no thread adapter is necessary. If used in a later car, then an adapter is necessary. The adapter is 3/8" female pipe thread by 3/8" male flare (see pic #3), as you need to connect a 3/8" male pipe thread to 3/8" female flare. The adapter will lower the valve about one inch, which should not be a problem. The adapter is readily available at home improvement stores.

If using the replacement valve in early cars, you will not be able to use the original support strap, which is not a problem. Simply connect the valve to the heater core tube and attach the actuating cable. Check for clearance between the valve's actuating arm and the kick panel. The valve's hose connection will be in a slightly different position, and may require the use of a molded 90* hose.

PM sent.

Aftermarket replacement heater valve.
Pic #2

Aftermarket heater valve with flare adapter added.
Pic #3

I couldn't see a way to repack the stem from the inside so I took a look at the outside. I thought I might be able to fix this. Since I had little to lose...

Took it apart.

The leaking seal/packing (black thing at the bottom). If I drive it out I don't see how to restrain any replacement packing. So I left it alone.

Root through the parts box.

1/8" compression fittings use 3/8"-24 threads. Convenient.

Fits fine.

Stem taped.

A moment on the buffer. Looks new. It seals now, at least it passes the test the old one didn't.

Larry was very creative with this fix in my mind. I wouldn't have thought about doing that! It looks great and I'm sure it will work just fine.

Cleaned up the tubes and replaced the hoses. The fit is just like stock.