Or, you can do it your self for about ten bucks. Any auto parts can get the kit, I’ve got them from Lee auto parts and just within the past year I bought a few from NAPA to rebuild a spare for myself and another for a friend. They’re made by Balkamp, which is part of the NAPA parts distribution system.
The part number is 660-1000 “Service Repair Kit” and all there is in the kit is one rubber washer and an instruction sheet.
There really isn’t much to them and it’s within the capabilities of anyone who is willing to spend an evening at the bench and can use a screwdriver and a sheet of Scotchbright.
If the thermostat, which consists of a diaphragm & sensor tube, has sprung a leak you’re out of luck, that part can’t be repaired by anyone that I’ve been able to find. Like the temperature gauge’s it’s filled with a measured amount of fluid. The temp gauge uses Dimethyl Ether (DME) but I’ve been unable to find out what is used or the quantity in the Ranco thermostats.
If you have several valves then chances are that one of them is still operational. You can check them by putting them in the freezer for about 15 minutes and see if the diaphragm compresses and opens the valve. At room temperature the diaphragm will expand and close the valve.
Here are a few pages that will take you thru the process if you’re interested:
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/ranco_hf_br But what do I know anyway!
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL
