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MG MGB Technical - Heater valve woes

As luck would have it the heater valve on my B started leaking today. I am booked for a nice run through the Vales & valleys of South Wales on Sunday and I really don't want to miss it especially as the weather is forecast to be bright & sunny.

It's leaking quite badly and is in no way fit for a run. My question is: is there a way to blank off the heater valve so the car is safe to run? Or, (here's hoping), is there anyone in the area who has a spare I could beg/steal or borrow.

This has p'eed me off tonight.:-(
Mike

Depending on where the leak is from, try tightening the hose connections or otherwise bung the valve in a vise, pull it to pieces and stick lots of sealant in the join. You'll need to be able to drill out and replace the rivet that holds the two halves together. Alternatively, stick the heat on full if you can suffer it, and cover the distributor in a plastic bag. It leaks much less on full flow and I got by for a couple of months before sorting it out properly.
SteveP

Thanks Steve,

I've just had a rummage through my parts bin and found an old valve that was also leaking. It was one of those things you keep that 'might' come in useful - "I'll keep it and one day take it apart to fix it/find out why they are so crap".

Anyway it looks like I should be able to plug the inlet side of this quite easily, I was thinking some sort of plumbers sealant or quick drying resin. Anyone any suggestions as to what might be best to use? I'm also thinking it might be worthwhile to plug the inlet side with a small bolt or something the minimise any pressure on the bodge 'repair'.

Any thoughts/experiences?

I've just ordered a new valve which hopefully will be here next Tuesday. So this workaround doesn't have to hold too long, although Sunday's run will probably total over 100 miles.
Mike

Mike use a bolt in the hose and a jubilee clip to pinch it up..
K Harris

Thanks Ken, but I don't think that'll help. I need to block the input to the valve which is bolted directly to the head.

Steve, I've just put a bag over the valve and turned it on full blast and been out for a short run. It's still leaking like a good 'un.

Blocking up the old valve seems like the best option I can think of so far, I'll sleep on it overnight and perhaps come up with a better solution tomorrow.
Mike

Mike,

I'm playing this from memory, so if it seems not to make sense, perhaps it doesn't.

Use either of your valves. Cut two new gaskets for it, but only cut the bolt holes. Do not cut the center hole.

Then, get some tin snips and a bit of thin sheet aluminum or steel, and cut a piece from it similar to the two gaskets you just made.

Then, with your favorite goo, sandwich the metal sheet piece between the two blanking gaskets you made, and bolt the gasket pack and old valve back to the block. The metal sheet should give it enough strength so that it doesn't rupture like it might if you only used gasket paper.

Plug the loose end of the heater hose with a bolt or spark plug.

Charley
C R Huff

Sorted guys.

I manage to borrow a good used valve from a mate. Many thanks for all your help & suggestions.
Mike

This thread was discussed between 19/06/2009 and 20/06/2009

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