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Unsticking brass from pot metal


ggdad1951

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working on restoring the heater control valve for the fresh air option. I've gotten her torn down to the components, BUT the actual part that should turn is stuck. Apears to be brass pressed into pot metal. Pretty stuck in there. Heat and Kroil and light tapping with a small dead blow have done nothing.

On a related note it was interesting tearing it apart. Pretty simple valve really, except the actuall valve part is a peice of bakelite type material with a formed metal backer that runs across a brass sheet. The brass sheet was cracked at the edges from oxidation, so if I EVER get this free I'll make a new one. Check out the pictures at below:

http://s1178.photobucket.com/albums/x365/ggdad1951/heater%20control%20valve%20fresh%20air%20option/

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You cannot buy one of those dual valves for $35.00 unless you have really really good luck!

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I cannot get the picture to open..but if it is like mine..its at minimum a 135-165 dollar item rebuilt..I opted not to go with it either..but the one I replaced it with was quite expensive as it was...but was almost a direct bolt in..yes..slight mod to the opening..not one that would be seen by the casual look..

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How about Vinegar? It eats rust, so maybe it will work on the corrosion that's got your parts stuck together.

I've heard vinegar will eat away aluminum...but I don't know what it will do to brass. Since you're going to make a new brass piece anyway, as long as the other internals aren't aluminum, may be worth a shot.

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I'm not going to make a new brass valve stem just the diaphram. The main body of the valve is the white/pot metal. Going to play with it some more tonight.

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Isn't that a valve for a dual heater system in a car of similar vintage ?

yah, seems they used it for both. The single heater they just plugged the one side.

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well, I stuck it in the oven at 350°F for a few hours and got it to move after it cooled down. BUT the flatted stem moved a little from the wrench. It moves with the wrench, but won't move with the lever for the cable, that just wants to bend.....got some Kroil soaking on it now, but I doubt it will ever move free enough.

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