Re: Mike P 1955 400 Slow Resto Thread!

Posted by HH56 On 2022/7/5 11:40:33

Am curious on what consists of a rebuild. Any photos of the rebuilt valve provided so you could see what was done? If it includes something along the lines of replacing the broken cast edge then problem solved but if not, ---

I don't have any valves to examine to see if possible or how feasible it would be to remove the shaft and flapper temporarily and then be able to get them back in and working. If they could be removed and replaced have wondered if the empty housing could be placed in a lathe and another recess cut in the broken end similar to that in the end receiving the tail pipe. IF another recess could be cut then a small 1/2" or so length of exhaust tubing MIGHT be able to be inserted to duplicate the broken off casting. Not sure if just a tubing end that fits in the manifold would be enough. If max tube size that could be safely cut is a smaller diameter than the old casting and it did not fit in the manifold properly more would be needed but I think any discrepancy in that part would be relatively easy to overcome with an extra sleeve over the tube or a high temp ring gasket.

Of course the big question would be whether repairing the valve would be worth trying. If the machining cost is significantly more than a new one then maybe not -- yet -- but like many other items now extinct or in short supply, worth thinking about. The NOS supply of that particular valve cannot last forever so unless someone repros or comes up with a modern alternative that fits or could be more easily adapted, it will become an issue. Spacers would be an easy solution but would not work well for some in cold places where the valve is more useful and others who might live in a desert would still want the valve for the stock look if nothing else.