> My question is do I take the TR's faucet apart like a similar looking
> sink faucet & replace the packing? Or is there some other magic
> involved??
Likely, you can just tighten the packing nut a bit and stop your leak.
Otherwise yes, it comes apart just like a faucet and you can replace the
packing. It can even be done with the valve mounted on the engine and the
cooling system nearly full, as long as you release the pressure first.
Check the stem for signs of corrosion, though. If it's not smooth and
straight in the sealing area, no packing will seal.
It's best to use box-end wrenches on the valve, as the brass is pretty soft
and apt to round with an open-end.
> Second, is it possible to replace the faucet valve with the remotely
> adjustable TR4 valve?
Yes, but I think you'll also need the 45 degree street ell that the TR4
uses. Otherwise the valve body hits the rocker cover. And, they don't work
all that well, takes a really strong push from the cable to close the valve.
Might be easier to get an in-line heater valve like that used on many
Chrysler products in the 60s & 70s, and splice it into one of the lines.
> Here in Phoenix I would like to be able to open that
> valve sometimes while driving in the summer to add a little more heat
> sink...
Never made any difference that I could see, except to toast my right knee a
little more than usual.
Randall
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