3000 Heater Valve

[RonR]

Folks,
The heater value at the engine block of my 1959 3000 leaks when the valve is opened.
It seals up fine when closed.

I have been told that all aftermarket valves leak, including those from Moss and AH Spares.
Would replacing the spring on the valve stop it from leaking?
If so, where would one source the spring?

Thanks.
Ron

 

[AUSMHLY]

Lapping the ball area may help make a better seal.

 

[RonR]

While it is not really a ball, but more of a tapered cylinder gate valve, I have tried that using graphite.

 

[Healey Nut]

Have you tried tapping the pin to seat it once the valve is open ?
Take it apart and clean it really well , look for gouges scrapes etc on the pin and bore , if there are any replace it .
try smearing the pin with a very small Amount of white teflon pipe dope and try again .
I would also try lapping the pin in the bore with fine grinding paste as long as there are no gouges or deep scratches .

 

[John Turney]

It is a tapered plug valve. The manufacturers of the new ones don't think customers will pay the extra cost to have them lapped to seal.
As Healey Nut said, lapping with fine grinding paste will help if there are no gouges or deep scratches. Greasing the taper with a heavy grease will also help. There isn't a source for the spring.

Mine is usually stuck after it has been in one position for a long time. I use a pair of pump pliers (AKA channellocks) to push the plug up enough to get it to turn. One might also use them to push the plug down, although the pliers might not fit in the crowded space.