1963-1967 Water Shut Off / Heater Control Valve w/C60, GM 1479664-can it be Restored?

[Scott S.]

I haven't found anything about this in the TDB archives or the Restorer back issues. I'm trying to restore and reuse original parts whenever possible, and it looks like this valve would clean up well, after testing it with a brass wire-wheel in a few spots.

The top is crimped on, and I have never seen one apart. Can these be restored?

UPC C60-D3, Item 16

-Edit: I think this valve was used from 1963-1968

[Jack H.]

Re: 1963-1967 Water Shut Off / Heater Control Valve w/C60, GM 1479664-can it be Resto

It'll probably clean up Jim Dandy!

Test first by applying vac to the control diaphram nipple to verify you can open/close the valve's main path.

If that works consistently, remove the outside surface scale (media blast with openings taped off). Then, take the part for a 'swim' in your home plating kit to rejuvenate the cad/zinc plating...

[Larry M.]

Re: 1963-1967 Water Shut Off / Heater Control Valve w/C60, GM 1479664-can it be Resto

It'll probably clean up Jim Dandy!

Test first by applying vac to the control diaphram nipple to verify you can open/close the valve's main path.

If that works consistently, remove the outside surface scale (media blast with openings taped off). Then, take the part for a 'swim' in your home plating kit to rejuvenate the cad/zinc plating...

I agree.........but for about $100 you can buy a 98% correct reproduction from LICS.

Larry

[Scott S.]

Re: 1963-1967 Water Shut Off / Heater Control Valve w/C60, GM 1479664-can it be Resto

It'll probably clean up Jim Dandy!

Test first by applying vac to the control diaphram nipple to verify you can open/close the valve's main path.

If that works consistently, remove the outside surface scale (media blast with openings taped off). Then, take the part for a 'swim' in your home plating kit to rejuvenate the cad/zinc plating...

It looks surprisingly clean inside when shining a flashlight inside either opening. I attached a rubber hose to the nipple and applied vacuum (44-year old windshield wiper hose tastes great ). It allows vacuum (to a point) and reversing that process it takes air (to a point), so whatever is inside the top section doesn't appear to be leaking, but nothing opened or closed.

Is there a way to unfreeze whatever is stuck, or does it normally require more vacuum than my lungs should be able to apply?

[Scott S.]

Re: 1963-1967 Water Shut Off / Heater Control Valve w/C60, GM 1479664-can it be Resto

I agree.........but for about $100 you can buy a 98% correct reproduction from LICS.

Larry

I saw an NOS example recently go for about $150. Like the current repro the NOS example was also close to the original in configuration, just minor subtle differences.

If the original can't be fixed, I'm glad that such a good reproduction is available. I would like to re-use the original valve though, if that is not unreasonable. I just don't know enough about this type of part to know whether I'm wasting my time trying, or whether it can be fixed and then be good for another 40 years?

[Larry M.]

Re: 1963-1967 Water Shut Off / Heater Control Valve w/C60, GM 1479664-can it be Resto

It looks surprisingly clean inside when shining a flashlight inside either opening. I attached a rubber hose to the nipple and applied vacuum (44-year old windshield wiper hose tastes great ). It allows vacuum (to a point) and reversing that process it takes air (to a point), so whatever is inside the top section doesn't appear to be leaking, but nothing opened or closed.

Is there a way to unfreeze whatever is stuck, or does it normally require more vacuum than my lungs should be able to apply?

Scott:

Your lungs should be able to supply sufficient vacuum to open this valve. At least I could do it with mine, and I'm well over 60

Suggest using some Kroil or equivalent on the brass valve wetted parts (not the rubber diaphram) and a Mighty-vac on the diaphram side to pull a FULL vacuum. This combination might free it up.

Larry

[Scott S.]

Re: 1963-1967 Water Shut Off / Heater Control Valve w/C60, GM 1479664-can it be Resto

Scott:

Your lungs should be able to supply sufficient vacuum to open this valve. At least I could do it with mine, and I'm well over 60

Suggest using some Kroil or equivalent on the brass valve wetted parts (not the rubber diaphram) and a Mighty-vac on the diaphram side to pull a FULL vacuum. This combination might free it up.

Larry

Thanks Larry, I have the Kroil and I may have a Mighty-Vac around here somewhere, if not, I'll get one