The heater valve

[doubleload]

I have just acquired my first T-bird, a 62, and l’m trying to figure out a lot of new stuff. The previous owner threw the valve away so there is nothing to see. Bird Nest sellls a part #18502H but it appears to have only a single hose connection (inlet or outlet?) , so how does this work? I found valve repair kits on EBay that also show a conventional 2 port valve in addition to the piece on the Bird Nest site. So what do I need to fix this? Thanks

[Jim Wulf]

I have just acquired my first T-bird, a 62, and l’m trying to figure out a lot of new stuff. The previous owner threw the valve away so there is nothing to see. Bird Nest sellls a part #18502H but it appears to have only a single hose connection (inlet or outlet?) , so how does this work? I found valve repair kits on EBay that also show a conventional 2 port valve in addition to the piece on the Bird Nest site. So what do I need to fix this? Thanks

I would recommend buying an NOS Fomoco or NORS - like Everhot - heater valve on Ebay. They come up quite often. And be sure to have your heater core checked for leaks before reinstalling. If you can't find one, or if you prefer, the Bird's Nest valve will work but there won't be any thermostatic control.

Here's what it looks like. The NORS Everhot valve is identical. The second nipple for the inlet hose is directly on the heater core and also goes through the firewall.

[doubleload]

Thanks for the lesson. The oval gasket and port is something I’ve never seen before.

[Jim Wulf]

Thanks for the lesson. The oval gasket and port is something I’ve never seen before.

Not one of Ford's "Better Ideas"! But it does work - until it doesn't - which is usually 40-50 years.