94 Heater Control Valve

[LStoudenmire]

I recently replaced my thermostat and had the heater control valve disentegrate in my hand while flushing the heater core. So I purchased a new valve from the local parts store. It was made a little differently in that the vacuum control plunger is facing the rear and is made of plastic. On the original the plunger was facing the front and was made of metal. I made sure to install the piece so that it matched how the original was installed, as far as the inlets were connected to the hoses.

However, my heater is not blowing heat, just cool air. Last night, I popped the hood and pushed the plunger with my hand and the heat started to blow. I'm not sure if it maybe a bad part or I may need to install it in a different direction for the water flow. It does have a vacuuum hose which connects to the plunger part, but does not fit snugly as the original.

The part does have arrows imprinted on it, and I made sure to install it in the same direction as the original. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Rhett]

Make sure the vac connection is tight, if necessary get one of those small hose clamps. Did you know that Ford Explorers did not have Heater Control Valves until about halfway thru the 1993 model year?

Anyway if all else fails you can take that HCV back.

 

[LStoudenmire]

Thanks Rhett. I think I figured out the problem. The vacuum seems to be working, as the plunger is moving the arm back and forth as I turn the heat on. However, it is pulling the plunger in too far and it can't push it back out because of it binding. Kinda hard to explain without seeing. Cheap replacement part, I guess. So, I will take this control valve out and replace it.