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MG MGA - heater water valve

I installed a new water control valve two years ago. It began leaking out the end. I took it apart and found the rubber was all eaten up and very soft. I am running a 50/50 mix. Has anyone else had this problem? I got this one from Moss. Is there a rebuild kit for these?
Just looking for ideas or comments.
Jim.

Jim Jensen

Hi Jim. There seems to be a problem with some of the replacement water valves from time to time. Replacements seem to sometimes leak after only a short period of use.
i would certainly let Moss Motors know the valve is defective, and perhaps ship it back for replacement. It is possible to BUILD a replacement but non stock heater valve that is far superior to the original. I believe Bob Munchausen's website has details for constructing the replacement heater valve if you are interested. The heart of Bob's valve is a home plumbing shutoff valve which utilizes a brass housing and a stainless steel ball. Good Luck! Glenn
Glenn

The page Glenn mentions is part of this site: http://www.s95408591.onlinehome.us/. There are two heater valve articles there, one on how to improve a not so wonderful aftermarket heater valve, and one about an alternative valve, made from readily available parts at your plumbling shop. However, it is in no way for those seeking authenticity, just hot water (in more ways than one, ;-) ).

If you are looking for a good quality OE type valve, do as Glenn says and ask Moss if they will replace it with an upgraded quality unit. Some parts they sell have more than one quality level (so they say) and it is your obligation to ask for the better one. Another alternative would be to join the MG Owner's Club, UK and buy your valve from them ~ their quality is usually as good as it gets for MGs. There may be other US suppliers who carry the better quality valves and perhaps the guys here can direct you to a reliable source.
Bob Muenchausen

BTW, Jim, to answer one of your questions. No, there is no known rebuild kit for these valves. Someone does make all the parts you could use to rebuild one (whoever makes the replacements we buy) but seems to prefer to sell the whole valve, and maybe with good reason. The way these valves are put together, there is always the possibility that a repair will leak, and maybe worse than it did before.
Bob Muenchausen

For what it's worth,I sent an E-mail to Moss. They said they have never had a problem with their valves. They went on to say that I may have gotten engine fumes in the coolant and that would make the rubber soft.
Jim.
Jim Jensen

Hi Jim. I find Moss Motor's explanation extremely unlikely to say the VERY least. It sounds to me like someone at Moss is trying to avoid addressing the problem. I would recommend that you press the issue with Moss Motors, since they are sometimes considerably less than helpful about defective parts, in my experience. You might want to contact Kelvin Dodd at Moss regarding your concerns. Good luck. Glenn
Glenn

Jim,
All I will say is that it was a Moss supplied valve (albeit, one bought in the early 90s) which inspired my original foray into the intriguing world of B-series Engine Heater Valves. Altho that unit never leaked, it sure didn't put out much heat. You can see that in the test results shown on my site (linked above). To say that they do not know of any problems may be simply mean that no one bothers to give them feedback.

If you were to go back a couple of years or so in the archives, you would find some long discussions about quality of parts and the upshot was that Moss and other professionals did take notice enough to attend the founding of a professional trades group attempting to coordinate expectations on all sides ~ owners, mechanics, and suppliers. We have seen some movement towards an adjustment of the quality we would like to have had all along. And, if I recall correctly, it was stated by a Moss rep that they did offer more than one quality level among some parts they sell, but that it was our responsibility to ask for the better quality units if we were willing to pay the price differential, if there was one. It would probably pay you to ask them about that "policy" if you haven't already.

Just remember, they are not the only supplier out there. The Roadster Factory, The MG Owner's club Spares operation, The B-hive in NC, and several other specialists are reported to offer better parts. Hopefully some of the current crop of MGA owners will offer you some suggestions.
Bob Muenchausen

This thread was discussed between 03/04/2005 and 07/04/2005

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.