Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Greetings, My friend JW has made my life easer with his assistance on over heating of my 42 356 ci. But now I need help on fixing or replacing my "heater valves" that shut off the water to the heaters under the dash and under the seat. There are 2 valves on the block one by the front of the head that controls the heater under the dash, the second valve is in the middle of the block, and controls the heater under the seat. Both turned clock wise and should shut off the water going to the heaters but the one under the dash is still getting water to the heater. Dose any one sell the valves for the heater on the head that I need, or must I block off the lines feeding the heaters some how. Thanks Dale

check with any plumbing supply house. If you can remove the shut off valve and take it in with you, it should be easy for them to match up.

You have an interesting car. My 356 head only has one connection for for the heater shutoff valve -- in the middle of the head. My heaters are in series and that outlet feeds the dash heater first and then exits and goes under for the floor heater, exits and back up to the front of engine to the return port on top of the water pump.

The valve is a universal type commonly available at parts stores. Assuming your 356 head and engine is tapped for the same fitting as mine, you need a 3/8 pipe for the head port and 5/8 hose to the heaters. I bought a valve at Autozone but theirs doesn't look much like the original. It was around $15.

The closest I found in universal to what might pass as more original looking is available at Napa and several other places. Prices are all over the place but Napa's is around $33. Here is Napa's plus a listing from another place that shows the specs.

Some of the antique car suppliers for other brands might have a more correct looking period item.

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A question Dale, before going too much further with this. Once the water has circulated through either heater how, or where, does the water return to the cooling system?