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MG MGA - Starting Some Work-Heater Shut Off Valve

I'm starting some simple work to learn my way around the car.

The first project is to get the cockpit to a reasonable tempurature. I went to Barney's web page and tried to adjust the heater shut off valve as described in there.

I discovered that even when I disconnect the cable and manually shut off the valve water is still getting by into the hose to the heater core.

Is the valve more fully adjustable in a manner that I can't see? or Is the valve likely to be shot?

Second, there is a 3/4" hole in the firewall right next to the heater box and into the engine bay, (looks like it was manufactured that way) obviously that is allowing engine heat into the cockpit. Do they sell some sort of grommet that can be snapped into such a hole?

Thanks,

Tysen
Tysen

Tysen:

Sounds like your valve may be shot; and some of the replacements aren't much better. Even the good valves may allow a trickle into the heater hose.
Cecilia at Scarborough Faire can sell you a replacement valve, and she will test it to make sure it's good before sending it to you.

Todd Clarke of Clark Spares and Restorations sells all the "blanking" grommets of various size that you will need to fill the intentional holes in your firewall. He is also an excellent source for "correct" fasteners, clamps, and other parts. You should request his catalogue. You should review all your firewall grommets and replace any that are old and cracking, as they will eventually let heat and fumes into the cockpit. If you cut new grommets the right way, they can be put in place around a wire/cable and still maintain a good seal.

Note that much of the heat in the MGA cockpit is radiant through the firewall, toeboards and tranny tunnel. Grommets will not stop that. Insulation may help.

Regards,
M.D.
'57 Coupe
M. D.

M.D.

Thanks for your note. I spoke to Cecilia, she's awesome, and she TOLD me how to test the valve and then call her back to make sure I needed one.
T McCarthy

Tysen:

Yeah, she is one of the good ones. Make sure you clean the valve connectors well before performing her test. Anti-freeze is very toxic.

Regards,
M.D.
'57 Coupe
M. D.

Tysen,
the heater valve you have in your MGA is pretty much the same as those used on the MGB and you might find this site of interest to you ~ http://www.s95408591.onlinehome.us/16801.html . At the least, it, and the other sites linked there, can give you an idea of how they are supposed to work and what their internals are like. Corrosion of the innards often causes problems like yours and a new one the only fix.
Bob Muenchausen

This thread was discussed between 28/07/2005 and 30/07/2005

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.