Lance Walker in NC rebuilds the Ranco valves. Your local radiator shop can handle re-core-ing the radiator, if necessary.

Thanks Russ - I knew the answer was out there. Is there anything I should be extra careful to watch for when removing the valve?

Yes, there is a heat sensor brass line that goes into the heater housing, just take your time and work it out. Walt.

This may be a stupid question but did you try tightening the heater hose clamp?

Eddie, an old Chief Machinist Mate once told me there was no such thing as a stupid questions; answers were another matter. The thing is, in this case, that the idea that a hose clamp may be loose is so obvious that it can get overlooked.
Hudsonly,
Alex B

You guys crack me up. And you're right - no stupid questions; just dumb answers. Yes, I checked the condition of the hoses and the tightness of the clamps. The issue is that the leak appears to be underneath the metal plate that holds the valve onto the firewall. The edges of the gasket look like they've been been under the broiler at 450F; I'm guessing the gasket may have dried out, but with a pinhole or other leak behind it. So, I'm going to take my time, disconnect all the hoses and crazy metal lines and carefully remove the valve. I have already set up a bypass from the water pump to the cylinder head so that I can drive the car without leaving a puddle of coolant everywhere.

If the heater control is leaking there, you probably have coolant also leaking straight down onto the carpet inside - requires careful removal of the control valve from under the dash board.

Can fix yourself. Part is around 10-12 dollars at NAPA. Belkamp heater core seal BK660-1000

Thanks; that sounds promising. I did check the interior of my car and it appears to be dry, so the only place it's leaking is on the engine side of the firewall, right around the gasket. I'll take a crack at that this weekend.

Hi folks - OK, so I got my Ranco valve rebuilt by Lance Walker and he did a great job. The leaks are gone, the heater blows hot air when the Weather Control is pushed to the right and cold air when pushed to the left, so everything seems to be working just fine.

My next question relates to the plumbing. I have a long 5/8" rubber hose going from the water pump to the upper connection of the heater core. However, my recollection is that when new, the step-downs had at least part of this connection made up with a metal pipe. Is my recollection correct? if so, does anyone a) know what's involved to make a replacement and/or b) can anyone post a picture of the set-up, including any brackets or other useful hardware? Is it just simply a section of 5/8" tubing bent into a nice configuration?

Thanks,

Mike

Mike , From 1948-1950 rubber tubing was used from the water pump up to the Ranco valve. In 1951 it was replaced by an 'L' shaped steel tube from the water pump up to about 3/4 of the way along the block toward the firewall.from there a rubber hose was attached to it up to the Ranco.

Hi Lance - sounds right. Does anyone sell one of these L-shaped steel tubes, or do I just try to bend one on my own. I assume it's 5/8" in size?

Mike I sell them.

Hi Lance et al - thanks for all your help; the part fit perfectly. Here's a photo. Mike