What is This?

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GregL
Posts: 142
Joined: Tue May 16, 2017 8:44 pm

What is This?

Post by GregL »

Hi Guys,
First pic is off the web. Second pic is of my engine (1957 312).
I just have a loose, temporary plug in my manifold in this spot. Is this a heater shut off switch of some type? I see it has a vacuum control.
I have two heater hose outlets on my water pump. Should the hose nipple marked #2 be removed and a plug installed there?
Appreciate any and all input.
Greg
Ford-Thunderbird-1957-312-engine5.jpg
20190905_210326.jpg
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55Greg&Amy
Posts: 1195
Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 8:43 am

Re: What is This?

Post by 55Greg&Amy »

Yes, hose nipple #2 should just be a plug. #1 and the vacuum valve are for the heater core loop.
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2C85460D-E8C5-40A4-BF1D-EE09ACEF394E.jpeg
Greg Minnich
Kendallville, IN
GregL
Posts: 142
Joined: Tue May 16, 2017 8:44 pm

Re: What is This?

Post by GregL »

Thanks Greg.
GregL
Posts: 142
Joined: Tue May 16, 2017 8:44 pm

Re: What is This?

Post by GregL »

Can anyone recommend a reasonable source for the heater valve?
It looks like they're pretty dear.
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paul2748
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Location: Northeastern New Jersey

Re: What is This?

Post by paul2748 »

Check with any of the TBird parts houses. They are the same as the sedans so you should be able to get one from someone such as C & G parts
GregL wrote: Fri Sep 13, 2019 9:36 pm Can anyone recommend a reasonable source for the heater valve?
It looks like they're pretty dear.
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
GregL
Posts: 142
Joined: Tue May 16, 2017 8:44 pm

Re: What is This?

Post by GregL »

Thanks Paul
seany-boy
Posts: 350
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Location: Melbourne, Australia

Re: What is This?

Post by seany-boy »

NOS periodically come up on ebay if you are concerned about authenticity.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Aftermarke ... SwjG1dEgwX
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-1959-Ford ... 0005.m1851

I purchased a NOS one a couple of years ago after getting the seller to test it operated with vaccuum correctly. Just another option.
Red 57 Thunderbird 312 3spd O/D
Location: Melbourne, Australia
GregL
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Re: What is This?

Post by GregL »

Authenticity is not an issue for me but thank you for the links.
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Haz567
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Location: Kentucky

Re: What is This?

Post by Haz567 »

Nice looking 312!

Although I don't have a care to look at handy I think No. 2 also serves as a connection point for the power steering pump bracket if the car is equipped.
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paul2748
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Location: Northeastern New Jersey

Re: What is This?

Post by paul2748 »

Yes
Hazard 56 T Bird wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2019 9:40 pm Nice looking 312!

Although I don't have a care to look at handy I think No. 2 also serves as a connection point for the power steering pump bracket if the car is equipped.
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
Daddio
Posts: 64
Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2019 12:51 pm

Re: What is This?

Post by Daddio »

There's a couple previous posts on this subject.
I've replaced my valve twice. The one that was on the car when I bought it (30 years ago) looked original and lasted 10 - 12 years before leaking. Wanting to look as original as possible I replaced it with an NOS, but it started to leak after only a few years.
So I installed an aftermarket unit from a TBird supplied and, so far, it's lasted twice as long as the NOS .. touch wood.
Since the aftermarket look nearly identical to the original, I would suggest staying away from NOS. The rubber seal is what leaks and an NOS unit contains old, dry rubber seal.
Mike
1956 TBird
SOLD - 1959 Cadillac Biarritz
Massey Ferguson 165
2005 Lincoln LS
2014 GMC Yukon
GregL
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Re: What is This?

Post by GregL »

I think that is sound advice Mike. Thank you.
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