Stubborn heater control valve

[Richardhealey]

Evening gents,
Trying to remove the hot water control valve this evening and is isn't willing to come away from the bulkhead. Taken out two screws and the control cable and tried to gently prise it away, but it's just come away say 5mm.
The transfer pipes behind the bulkhead all look a bit corroded and signs of previous weeping, so do I need to give it more wellie - or am I missing something?
Cheers,
Rich

[Series1 Stu]

Hi Rich

It's likely that your valve is stuck on the pipe by scale build up. It fills all the voids and dries as hard as stone.

It looks like brute force may be required and be prepared to replace the pipes running through the bulkhead.

Regards

[Richardhealey]

Hi Stu,
Yes, definitely realise the bulkhead pipes will need to be replaced and see it can be an unpleasant job, but some ideas on the forum of using wire through them to hold them in place whilst riveting them sound very good.
This heater valve REALLY doesn't want to move. I found another post and have tried to twist it and have managed to get it to move a little from side to side, but I'm in danger of damaging it. Given it another good dose of penetrating oil (maybe it needs viakal!) and closed the garage door for the night :-)
Cheers,
Rich

[Series1 Stu]

Brute force and ignorance required. Buy a new valve because its probably blocked and seized anyway.

Regards

[Richardhealey]

As a postscript to this exciting installment of my dismantling saga - giving the valve a night to think about it was a good option. A lot of ignorance and a little brute force finally persuaded it to come free this morning and some on this forum will be delighted to know that the O-ring remains in one piece!
The transfer pipe came away at the other end and will definitely need replacement....
Cheers,
Rich

[Series1 Stu]

When you replace the pipes, use stainless steel ones.

Dave Kerr used to supply some but I think he stopped because they were a nightmare to make. I think SNGB and the rest now supply them in stainless but I'm not entirely sure about that.

Regards

[mgcjag]

Hi Rich....have you thought about starting a thread in the Restoration section.....would be good to see how your progressing and watch a full rebuild.....Steve

[Richardhealey]

Hi Steve,
Ok, you think my posts here are in the wrong section? I can make sure I post them on the restoration section in future.
To be honest, I don't think public cataloging of all my cock ups is something I relish.... :-)

[Richardhealey]

When you replace the pipes, use stainless steel ones.

Dave Kerr used to supply some but I think he stopped because they were a nightmare to make. I think SNGB and the rest now supply them in stainless but I'm not entirely sure about that.

Regards

Thanks for tip :-) stainless it is then!

Cheers,
Rich

[mgcjag]

Hi Rich.....no your definatly not posting in the wrong section, continue here as much as you want......just that you mentioned that you were doing a full dismantle and a rebuild.....and if you wanted to share a complete record of progress with the forum you could have your own restoration thread......it would attract a lot of interest.....have a look through some rebuilds others have done....all the best Steve