C-1 Heater Shut-off Valve

[Dave H.]

The heater shut off valve in my 59 doesn't appear to be working. The cable moves the lever on the valve unit but doesn't seem to have any effect on what looks to be a plunger. The problem is that, flat on my back under the dash, I can't get a good enough look at the unit to figure out how it is supposed to work and what might be the problem. I can't find a decent enough picture in any of my documentation.

Could someone post a picture or explain, please.

Thanks,

Dave.

[Joe Maulsby]

Re: C-1 Heater Shut-off Valve

When you open the valve, it allows hot water from the radiator to enter the heater core and circulate in and out.

[Joe Maulsby]

Re: C-1 Heater Shut-off Valve

When you open the valve, it allows hot water from the radiator to enter the heater core and circulate in and out.

[Dave H.]

Re: C-1 Heater Shut-off Valve

Joe, thanks for your input.

I reread my original post and think I might have been unclear on my request.

Probably because off my poor viewing angle from under the dash, I can't see or feel any physical linkage between the cable attachment (which rotates forward and backward on a pin) and the plunger assembly. The plunger assembly doesn't move with the cable, so the valve is always open. Perhaps my unit is missing a piece, or a connection has become undone. I'm sure it would be easier to figure out if I had the unit out of the car, but I don't want to do that unless absolutely necessary.

Dave.

[Dave H.]

Re: C-1 Heater Shut-off Valve

Joe, thanks for your input.

I reread my original post and think I might have been unclear on my request.

Probably because off my poor viewing angle from under the dash, I can't see or feel any physical linkage between the cable attachment (which rotates forward and backward on a pin) and the plunger assembly. The plunger assembly doesn't move with the cable, so the valve is always open. Perhaps my unit is missing a piece, or a connection has become undone. I'm sure it would be easier to figure out if I had the unit out of the car, but I don't want to do that unless absolutely necessary.

Dave.

[Anthony F.]

Re: C-1 Heater Shut-off Valve

Dave,

I do not have a picture that will show you what happens when you move the cable to get the valve to open but hopefully let me try to enlighten you a little.

First, the cable is held on to the heater assembly via a 1 screw clamp that binds the cable in place. If this is not functioning as designed the valve may not open as the cable will slide back and forth in the clamp.

Secondly, the cable's inner wire has an circle made on the end of the cable that slips over a metal "Crank" like rod that activates the valve. I say "Crank" because it reminds me of an old toy that you would carnk to get it to open. This circle is held onto the "Crank" type rod with a slip/push on retainer we called "Bird Seed". If the bird Seed Retainer is missing the inner cable wire could slip off and not activate the valve.

Third, the "Crank" type rod is a little larger than the size of a toothpick (in diameter) and comes out from the square portion of the valve. It is exiting the valve assembly towards blower motor (Driver side) and is higher than the plunger that you are seeing not working. If you would run your hand up between the heater box and the valve above the bracket that holds the valve assemble to the heater box you should feel the "Crank". If you do not have this rod the cable will be loose.

So I would suggest you try to use a mirror to see what is there, connected or not. Use your hand and fingers to feel what you can to verify that every thing is connected. If everything is connected then you will need to pull the kick panel and lower dash support to see just what is wrong. You may have a problem with the heater valve itself that you might be able to fix or by this time replace.

I hope that I have not confused you but helped you. I have run across a couple of C-1 Corvettes that have had after market or other designed valves installed which did not work as designed for the C-1 but held water and did not leak when Bubba installed them.

Again I hope this helps.

Tony Feckter

[Anthony F.]

Re: C-1 Heater Shut-off Valve

Dave,

I do not have a picture that will show you what happens when you move the cable to get the valve to open but hopefully let me try to enlighten you a little.

First, the cable is held on to the heater assembly via a 1 screw clamp that binds the cable in place. If this is not functioning as designed the valve may not open as the cable will slide back and forth in the clamp.

Secondly, the cable's inner wire has an circle made on the end of the cable that slips over a metal "Crank" like rod that activates the valve. I say "Crank" because it reminds me of an old toy that you would carnk to get it to open. This circle is held onto the "Crank" type rod with a slip/push on retainer we called "Bird Seed". If the bird Seed Retainer is missing the inner cable wire could slip off and not activate the valve.

Third, the "Crank" type rod is a little larger than the size of a toothpick (in diameter) and comes out from the square portion of the valve. It is exiting the valve assembly towards blower motor (Driver side) and is higher than the plunger that you are seeing not working. If you would run your hand up between the heater box and the valve above the bracket that holds the valve assemble to the heater box you should feel the "Crank". If you do not have this rod the cable will be loose.

So I would suggest you try to use a mirror to see what is there, connected or not. Use your hand and fingers to feel what you can to verify that every thing is connected. If everything is connected then you will need to pull the kick panel and lower dash support to see just what is wrong. You may have a problem with the heater valve itself that you might be able to fix or by this time replace.

I hope that I have not confused you but helped you. I have run across a couple of C-1 Corvettes that have had after market or other designed valves installed which did not work as designed for the C-1 but held water and did not leak when Bubba installed them.

Again I hope this helps.

Tony Feckter