heater valve

Post by **FrankM83** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 9:42 am

bought a heater control valve and pinch bolt (as the valve doesn't come with one fitted) but notice the pinch bolt doesnt fit the hole on the control valve!! has anyone had a simliar problem what can I do to rectify this? Thanks

Post by **mike.perry** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 11:00 am

Enlarge the hole in the valve?

Post by **FrankM83** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 11:20 am

sry mike should have asked how best to do it without damaging the valve? file or drill bit?

Post by **mike.perry** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:36 pm

It depends how much you have to enlarge the hole. If it is only a little then just run a drill gently through the hole.
My heater valve has a split lever arm and the cable clamp bolt pushes through the split arm. The cable passes between the arms and the clamp is then secured, holding the cable in place. Sounds confusing but it is probably obvious when looking at the valve

Post by **8009STEVE** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 1:40 pm

A trick from years ago.
Get a 6incn nail or similar, cut the head off, cut a slot down the shaft. Insert a strip of emery cloth into the slot and wind round the shaft. Fit in a drill and use to open the hole. We used to do this for porting the head.

Post by **simmitc** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 1:46 pm

And complain to the supplier. If the parts were sold as a matched pair then they should fit. It appears to be another example of sub-standard parts.

Post by **mike.perry** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 4:56 pm

See the photo under Radiator Help

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 5:36 pm

It's likely very flimsy metal - if the drill bit catches it will all twist out of shape. I would use a small round file - won't take long.

Post by **FrankM83** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 11:28 pm

well managed to widen it with a file! not quite happy bout the quality of it though :S

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 11:34 pm

I'm amazed you need a heater - in Malta!!