Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

My heater on my 120 is always on, and an old Packard mechanic told me to put a valve on the water hose going into the heater right on top of the engine. Is that how its suppose to work? You have to stop the car, open the hood to turn the heater up or down? Is there a NOS valve available for that?

Your mechanic was correct, that's the typical installation until the advent of the Ranco automatic type valve which came later. You open the valve on the cylinder head in the fall or winter, close it down in the spring or early summer.

Valves varied slightly in style within and over the years, for example on some the discharge angled upwards somewhat, but here's typical one. They are rather commonly available, there may even be new ones from places like Restoration Supply Co.

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You can also buy a remotely operated water valve. It is similar to the one O_D pictured, but has a cable operated lever to open and close the valve and adjustments in between. Temp control like a Ronco valve, but manually operated. I know O'Rilley's has them in their catalog. Of course it will not be authentic, but something to consider.

(o{}o)

I want to keep it authentic as possible. But I appreciate the suggestion

I got the one for my 39 Packard from Elliot's Hardware in Dallas TX. I suspect most good plumbing supply stores would have one. You might want to consider getting on of these, and hiding a Ranco adjustable one somewhere in the engine bay.

I think I have a spare used one in the garage. I'll check.

None in the garage, but CarQuest here in town has them in stock.