Guys and Gals,

My 444 heater control valve blew up today. :( I had pulled the Old Lady out of the garage and the engine had been running for about five minutes (very loud, no muffler installed yet.) My four-year-old son was in the driver's seat. He kept yelling "OIL LEAK" and I couldn't hear him - told him to "HUSH" a few times. When I finally came around to the driver's side and saw the antifreeze all over the floor I shut down the engine and apologized profusely for not listening! That will teach me. Now I need to take off the sound-deadening paper to dry underneath, then re-do. At least I didn't have any other flooring on yet.

Any chance any of you have a new or refurbished 444 heater control valve or a potential source? I don’t want to chance taking one out of the donor car and having the same thing happen.

Thanks in advance,

--
Tony Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (P44408)
See http://www.scarolas.com/58VolvoPV444/

Hi Tony:
Your car is looking awesome!! On the heater valve front here is a photo of NAPA - Balkamp part number 6601000 - listed as 'replacement seal (fits most early models)'.
If you are lucky a local NAPA will have them, if not order thru the NAPA internet site - they are pretty quick, and these things are reasonable. I think I paid arount $20 for 2 sets (with instructions) with shipping.
I have one in my 122 and it has lasted a year with no problems. Of course new is better but on your 444 'new' may not be the same part! The OD on this part measures 1.095" overall thickness is .312" including topknot and bottom 'lip',
the central hole is about 1/8" in dia.

Cheers!
OK
PS these work on many early american cars from the 50s and 60s the valves themselves were produced by a company called 'Ranco' I think.

THANK YOU!!! I will give that a try.
--
Tony Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (P44408)
See http://www.scarolas.com/58VolvoPV444/

I took apart the old heater control valve yesterday and I found the 2c rubber seal that went bad. There only seems to be the one rubber seal in the entire unit and the design around the seal is very poor. The seal is rubber with a fine layer of cloth sandwiched in between. I had to grind down the four metal tabs holding the copper/brass pipe to the outer shield just to get to the seal. And the seal itself isn't just a flat piece of rubber, but it has a sort of recessed funnel so it can't be easily duplicated. I really can't believe that such a nice unit would be designed in such a fashion. Everything but the rubber would obviously last for 100+ years.

Here is a graphical representation of the seal:



Not sure what to do at this point. Anyone else have such problems with their heater control valve??

Thanks in advance,
--
Tony Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (P44408)
See http://www.scarolas.com/58VolvoPV444/

Hello,

The exact original style will not be easily available.

You can use the 122 heater valve instead.

I would recommend that you get a new one.

Although pricey, it is good insurance to protect the interior as well as the engine.

Still available new from the usual sources including myself.

--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90501

Eric,

How is the fitment (especially dealing with the mounting holes, hose attachments and valve opening mechanism) as compared to the original?

Thanks,
--
Tony Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (P44408)
See http://www.scarolas.com/58VolvoPV444/

Hello,

If I remember correctly, the 122 heater valve will attach directly without the need to drill holes.

The heater hoses will fit correctly and you can reuse your old heater control cable.

You will have to carefully coil the capillary tube so it fits inside of the heater valve metal cover.


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Hello,

After thinking a little more on the fitment issue, I might be wrong. Can you send me a picture or dimensions of your old one so I can compare? I think your original heater valve uses a larger hole.

Sorry for any confusion.


--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90501

Eric,

Ok. If that is the case, if you wouldn't mind, I would appreciate if you could post or email me some detailed pictures of the 122 heater control valve - both sides if possible.

Thanks again,
--
Tony Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (P44408)
See http://www.scarolas.com/58VolvoPV444/

Hello,

I just edited my last post about this issue.

I am in the middle of moving the shop about 3 miles to a larger location, so I don't have easy access to my parts for a while.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90501