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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Heater control attachment

Hi all
I went to fit the heater control yesterday onto my Offenhauser inlet manifold and it is smaller than the attachment,Was there a step up on my old 1800 engine? (which i have got rid of).

If so does anyone know a part number?or where i can get one from?

Thanks
Graham
GLG Lavis

Hi Graham,
Don't try and use the MGB heater tap on a V8. I used up three of them in 2 years. These taps depend on a thin rubber diaphram. Apparently either the orrigional design is not up to dealing with V8's, or recently manufactured items have inferior rubber. This is what my supplier claims and to his credit he supplied the last tap free (he's a good guy).
Should the rubber perish (three times at $65 each!) you've got coolant every where. Actually it's not as bad as that as because the rubber diaphram deteriates gradually you get a dripple, which slowly gets worse. I can tell you that I spent a great deal of time and effort making an adaptor for Rover engine, specificaly manifold and I was most reluctasnt to give up on it. However the rubber always perished come summer. Here thats three times $65.00. I now use an inline ball valve, much like the RV8.
I went to the local auto supply and asked for an "in line cable operated tap" and got something that looks exactly like the RV8 tap. It cost $58 Australian, including tax. It is easier to operate than the Rubber diaphram type, no pressure to push against.
Packaged by JAYAIR Part No. HA4008
It also has a sticker on it 'Made in Mexico H38C-2211-030 0441-07 '. Which indicates it could be got cheaper if you phoned around a bit.
It is of the hard plastic Ball valve type (no rubber to perish). Be aware that it must be fitted the right way around with the cable attachment pointing away from the engine/water supply. Other way around it lets a dribble of water through to the heater. Guess how I found this out!. Two years later it still works perfectly. I used half inch hose (the valve is half inch) and a brass stepped down hose fitting for the mannifold.
That heater tap was the last orrigional MG bit on the engine!
If you're determined to fit the MGB valve you need to make an adaptor plate. Drill new holes, tap threads etc.
Clive Wheatley, or some similiar MGV8 place will have something like.
Peter


I'm using one of these <http://www.nfauto.co.uk/heater_valve.htm> in the 1/2 inch size in the hose, nice and small and you can convert it to work from the dash dail if you want.

I'm not bothering, I switch it on when it gets cold and turn it off 6 months later!

Andt
a borris

Sorry, the link isn't working.

Go to www.nfauto.co.uk go into the CBS index and it's down near the bottom of page 2.

Andy
a borris

I found a domestic inline right angle valve in the illustrated parts catalog at my local supplier which uses a cable control and turns in the correct direction. It uses 5/8" hose which matches the engine. On the heater core I cut two short pieces of 1/2" ID x 5/8" OD vinyl tubing and slipped that over the tubes and the heater hose fits just fine.

Jim
Jim Blackwood

Graham, If its the bit I think it is, you can get one from the same chap you got your alternator tensioner arm from.

Look at his other items on ebay.

Liam
Liam

Liam
I got the heater valve off that guy, it does not fit onto the offy inlet manifold. i need an adapter plate between the 2, not sure if i left it on the old engine,which i have since got rid of.

Thanks
Graham
GLG Lavis

I have a spare SD1 inlet you can have if you want it. IIRC you can use that to make an adapter plate? or is it the other way around.

I'm sure people will tell me if I'm right.

I have the same manifold as you, let me know how you get on.

Liam
Liam

This thread was discussed between 04/06/2006 and 05/06/2006

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