Heater Control Valve

[cthudak]

Hi,
I have a question regarding the heater control valve on my 1997 Ford Ranger. The original Valve started leaking about 2 years ago. I thought that was pretty good service life so I went to NAPA a bought a replacement. After about a month the valve started leaking around the rubber seal where the shaft leaves the vacuum chamber. I returned the part and replaced it again, this time it took 6 months to leak again. Im now on my third valve from napa. Has anyone else had this issue? It's not a big leak, just annoying! Is it harmful to the heater core if I just bypass the valve and cap the vaccum line? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[rwenzing]

This is a common complaint about aftermarket heater valves. The OE Ford valves are not perfect but they do usually last 7~10 years.

 

[Maniak]

I 2nd that sentiment... I put in 3 different heater control valves before I finally got a ford oem one.. the ford one seems to be lasting longer.. (the others only lasted 1 year or so).

~Mark

 

[cthudak]

Thanks for all the feedback, Im going to pick up a new vlave from Ford......