[Healeys] 1964 BJ8 Heater Box

[Mark and Kathy]

I would imagine that Brit. Car Spec. would have the o-ring that fits.

I have had more than my fair share of these English type control valves leak 
in my day. (MGs)  At least in the MGs the leak is confined to the engine bay 
where it can  drip on to the ground (not to mention the distributor)  but in 
the Healey I see no other place for it to go but into the cockpit area. 
Which makes me wonder why they didn't put it on the side of the block in the 
first place. The top of the heater box is a terrible place. And I hate the 
smell of hot antifreeze.


   I have a brand new valve with a correct o-ring.   but its not going in my 
car.   I just ran the hose directly to the the nipple stub on the radiator 
where the valve should go.   I will control the water flow at the engine 
shut off valve.
This makes sense to me until someone can convince me differently.  I don't 
trust these valves.  And they get cheaper and cheaper in their construction.
And even when they are in the open position the damn thing barely opens 
enough to let water through.   Yes I know about the Mods.  I've done a few , 
but what little I run the heater in my LBCs,  I will go without the valve 
hassle.

As long as the 2 hose clamps don't go kaput it should run leak free.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dan Stromquist" <dan at warner-associates.com>
To: "Healey List Emails" <healeys at autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 3:38 PM
Subject: [Healeys] 1964 BJ8 Heater Box


> List:
>
> After the warning about the radiator rust problems in the heater box and 
> the
> difficulty of removing that box, we decided to send ours off to a radiator
> shop to be inspected.  I see now that Moss offers a replacement for around
> $172 and am wondering if anyone has an opinion on whether to rebuild or
> replace the radiator and control valve. The archives seem to say the 
> O-ring
> for the valve does not fit.   I will take any advice on alternate part
> sources as well.
>
> Dan