old type water heater

[Budgie]

Ok I'm not sure if this is the right topic for this part of the forum but I have had some trouble with the original heater valve on my 1969 convertible blowing [ I've gone through 3 in four years and all on very low mileage] and I have since found out that they are no longer available due to quality issues so I need to fit the old style heater valve [stop tap style]
So my query is although there is a fibre washer used between the mating surface of the tap and base plate would it be ok the place some ptfe tape on the thread of the tap "just to be sure" ?

[bmcecosse]

No need for tape ! But you can if you must... Just leave the valve open all year round - stops sediment collecting in the heater.

[Budgie]

Ok thanks for that just wanted to be sure as the tap seems to be a bit shy of the base when I turn it tight by hand and the washer still rotates loosely but I did "tighten "it up in the garage in a vice and spanner and it did turn a bit more around and "line " up with the base plate bolt holes.

[philthehill]

Grab yourself a spare:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Morris-Minor- ... 35e784c3fb

[Budgie]

Thanks for that but I only paid just over £20 for the whole lot brand new from ESM.

[bmcecosse]

But is it any good.... ? You've already had to 'adjust' it. and you are worried about packing it with Teflon tape....... All you really need is this ..... http://minispares.com/product/Classic/C ... o%20search
Edited to remove incorrect ref - and insert correct ref.

[philthehill]

There does seem to be differences between the original heater valve Pt No: 88G588 (MOSS £13.94) and the ones supplied by ESM. The illustration in the current Moss parts catalogue has an adjustable gland packing nut.
With the ESM heater tap there does not appear to be an adjustable sealing gland for the valve stem.
The old type can be stripped and overhauled but not sure if the ESM ones can.

http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... 9f3f44fc12

BullMotif have the same valve with no gland nut.

http://www.morrisminorspares.net/shop_item.php?ID=4767

Personally I would go for the old type every time and refurbish even if it cost a bit more S/H.

[Budgie]

Hmm the trouble is we tend to put our faith in these specialist suppliers not knowing what else is out there which are either cheaper or simpler/ more reliable , wish I'd seen the mini set up before I purchased the one from ESM .!

[philthehill]

The outlet pipes as suggested in the link above above are the ones for the heater matrix outlet pipes and not for the head but it may be possible to adapt to suit. bmc may be able to advise.
The diameter of the pipe that would go into the head for the heater take off is not stated but the hole in the 940 head for the heater outlet is 5/8" ID.
As I do not have a small bore head to measure I cannot quote the ID of the heater outlet in the small bore head so you need to check that the hole in the head fitted to your engine is 5/8" otherwise the Mini heater matrix outlet pipes quoted above may not fit.

[Budgie]

Ah right so not so straight forward as it seems then ?

[bmcecosse]

Sorry - didn't notice that was a heater adapter (I've never had a heater with removeable stubs !) - I'll look for the correct stub pipe. Meantime - this valve is ideal for the job..... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/classic-mini- ... 33a0391cc6
This is the correct Mini stub pipe.... http://minispares.com/product/Classic/C ... o%20search

[Budgie]

I like the ebay one!

[chesney]

I've used both the ones provided in the link by BMC on my Minors.
Used the Minispares stub on a Marina 1275 I fitted to get over the heater tap fouling battery tray problem.
Used the 'eBay' valve on a CAM4810 head I fitted to my 948.
They have the benefit too of making it more simple to remove and refit the rocker cover. Occasionally, getting the lip of the cover to fit past the 'correct' heater tap can be a bit of a trial.