Norm,
When I bought it, my GT had an alternate rig that worked well. Being a
semi-stickler for originality, I reverted to the OEM type that, in truth,
does not work as well.
Attached to the block where the valve attaches was what I ...think....
was a water pipe from the back of later MGB heads. It had a metal
casting to which was attached a tube with a 90 degree bend. To that was
attached 2-3 inches rubber tube, an in-line shutoff valve, then more
rubber tube to the heater. The heater control cable was hooked to the
lever on the valve.
Let me know if this interests you enough so that I should go out and
rummage in the culch of cast-off MGB parts.
Some issues back, MGB driver had an article on improving the operation
of the OEM valve. The writer felt that years of production on old dies
had lead to tolerances that were intolerable. He discussed their
rectification. If you can't find the issue, let me know and I'll go
through my back issues.
Bob
On Wed, 10 May 2000 19:43:05 -0400 "N" <twobees@sprynet.com> writes:
> Once again, my ire is raised by the unbelievable placement and
> construction
> of the Heater Water Control Valve on the MGB.
>
> What kind of thinking was it that placed a part prone to failure
> that
> contains liquid coolant directly over the source of electrical
> energy to
> make our cars run? It was truly diabolical!
>
> A valve that was installed new less than 2 years ago let go
> yesterday. I'm
> just glad it happened now and not 3 weeks ago on the track at Lime
> Rock.
>
> I did the usual quick-fix for the short-term: Dry out the
> distributor, keep
> the valve closed (heat off when I could have used it today) and
> leave the
> radiator pressure cap loose (at the first detent) to prevent
> pressure build
> up. A replacement valve is already on its way. BUT, there must be
> a better
> way!
>
> Anyone on the list ever try an alternative setup? Perhaps a valve
> from some
> other car that is less prone to failure? Maybe a deplumed line to
> the
> heater?
>
> Any suggestions would be welcomed.
>
> Norm Sippel
> '66 MGB daily driver/occasional vintage racer
>
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