Stuck Heater Control valve

'51 Special

Active Member
The heater control valve on my '51 Special is stuck in the full heat position. (This is not good in the summer.) The cable is free but the control valve itself will not turn. I have not taken anything apart yet. Any suggestions on how to free it up?
 
The heater control valve on my '51 Special is stuck in the full heat position. (This is not good in the summer.) The cable is free but the control valve itself will not turn. I have not taken anything apart yet. Any suggestions on how to free it up?
I do not remember how my 53 was but most GM have the darn things located under the dash and are not fun to change. The last one was on my 2003 Silverado. You will need a manual to get to the darn things.
 
Unfortunately, my '51 Buick shop manual is of no help. It tells me how to operate the heater, but has no information on disassembly, trouble shooting, or repair.
 
Just had a look at one, I don't think they were intended for repair, just replacement.
I would take it out, try something like WD-40 for a couple of days. Then you might try soaking it in some carb cleaner.
 
I contacted a friend in Duluth (Minnesota) who had once told me of a person who repaired a heater control valve for his Hudson. I got the name, sent this person the valve, and had it back in my hands, looking like a new piece of equipment, in less than a week. I reinstalled it today, and just took a long ride. The valve worked perfectly.
Props to Joe Hudacek, who did the fine work, for $85, including return shipping. He rebuilds automobile switches and heater valves for vehicles from 1935-1970. If anyone has a similar problem, he can be reached via phone or email: Phone (715)392-6169; Mailing address: 6606 Banks Avenue, Superior, WI 54880; email hudacekjj@chartermi.net; and (brief) website: www.heatervalves.net.
 
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