Could anyone give me some info on heater control valves for 50 Chevy. I know there is a difference between the manufacturers. I purchased a NOS GM one and I have a couple of Ranco's from parts cars and they are made different. Is one better than the other? Do any of you know where to get kits to rebuild the Rancos? Do you guys know which way to connect the hoses? I would imagine it makes a difference as the way the valves are made? Thanks!

I will give part of an answer.
The Filling Ststion catalog lists a repair kit. Description says its for 1949-54 cars and 1947-54 trucks.. Their part #RW-548. Does not mention if its for a Ranco or Harrison.

Then they list a rebuilding service and that says says its for just the Ranco valve.

From the above I would guess the kit fits either. A message to them may clear things up ....www.fillingstation.com....or...800-841-6622

The hose from the thermostat housing goes to the curved fitting on the valve. The hose from the heater connects to the straight fitting.

If you get the correct facts on the kit please post the results.

This guy rebuilds heater control valves.
I would contact him for accurate information.

http://www.heatercontrolvalve.com/

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

But what do I know anyway!
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL
[/quote]

Don't be so hard on yourself Denny
Cleon

When you walk among giants it's only wise to be humble Cleon.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Thanks for all the imput. The site you have for rebuilding the valves is excellent. Anyone who wants to rebuild one should give a look. I have two used Ranco's which I will rebuild and the one NOS GM . Will the NAPA kit fit a GM valve or just a Ranco. The GM one has the same mount plat but the valve is different. Did Ranco make them for GM? This web site is really useful and anyone who has an old chevy is nuts for not belonging to the club. Thanks guys.

"When you walk among giants it's only wise to be humble Cleon".

When walking among all the engineers, life long mechanics, pilots, electrical genius', teachers, et al that are on this site all contributing their knowledges, kinda makes me wonder if everyone out there is taller than I. Makes one hesitant to post anything at all. Sure is a wonder to read about all that knowledge at one site.

Keep it coming guys!!

My favorite saying, "Best to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and prove it". Yup, that be me.

Jim.

jdv123 and all others,
Don't feel inferior just because you might not have the level of experience or knowledge on a particular subject as others on this site. All of us started with nothing but were interested enough to pay attention and try to learn. Others helped us to learn now we have the privilege to help others learn what we did.