Heater Control Valve Solution: 85-87 Corvette
#21
Navigator
One of our 1985 Corvettes developed a small pin hole leak/crack on the steel piping attached to the heater control valve. I found what they claim is a genuine GM replacement PN 10120965 at KMB Automotive 718-931-2026 in New York for $195.00. I am thinking that this may be an aftermarket reproduction. They did not speak good English so I am not sure that it is genuine GM. I am taking my part to Service Center Radiator here in Auburn Calif 95603 in the morning to see if they can silver solder the small crack and rebuild the control valve. There is a process that coats the inside of the steel tubing to seal leaks but they told me that it is for fuel tanks and would not work with water. I used a very small camera that we use to inspect inside aircraft engines cylinders to look for rust, found minimal rust there so we should be good for a silver solder repair. Will post the results of the repair on Friday.
#24
Le Mans Master
Great writeup. However at this point, I would consider coughing up the $130 to Zip Corvette and get a whole new assembly. Have you seen the inside of those metal tubes after 25+ years?
#25
Navigator
One of our 1985 Corvettes developed a small pin hole leak/crack on the steel piping attached to the heater control valve. I found what they claim is a genuine GM replacement PN 10120965 at KMB Automotive 718-931-2026 in New York for $195.00. I am thinking that this may be an aftermarket reproduction. They did not speak good English so I am not sure that it is genuine GM. I am taking my part to Service Center Radiator here in Auburn Calif 95603 in the morning to see if they can silver solder the small crack and rebuild the control valve. There is a process that coats the inside of the steel tubing to seal leaks but they told me that it is for fuel tanks and would not work with water. I used a very small camera that we use to inspect inside aircraft engines cylinders to look for rust, found minimal rust there so we should be good for a silver solder repair. Will post the results of the repair on Friday.
Last edited by Air-John; 12-12-2010 at 12:18 AM. Reason: Photo
#26
Safety Car
This was originally posted in 2008 and I was happy someone drug it up back in Feb. I still dont need it as yet but the info is great and should be a sticky or keep dredging it up every now and then for folks who havent seen it.
#27
Intermediate
Member Since: May 2011
Location: Kansas City Missouri
Posts: 49
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I found a solution for the discontinued heater control valves for 85-87 Corvettes! A valve from an 82-84 full-sized Chevy is almost identical. The only difference is, the Chevy valve doesn’t have the long length of tubing, or a place to connect the coolant line that runs from the intake to the Corvette HCV.
The Corvette valve usually leaks from 2 seals in the valve and will drip around the screw. You'll find the main seal behind the screw will be all dried out.
The Corvette valve usually leaks from 2 seals in the valve and will drip around the screw. You'll find the main seal behind the screw will be all dried out.