15 replies to this topic

[yukonphil]

Just fitted a brand new heater valve to my 1098 and, surprise surprise, it leaks, this one through the spindle hole. I know I can get an adapter to do away with it but has anyone taken the guts out of one then sealed it back up? I just need the 90' bend for my needs, not the valve part. Many thanks, Phil.

[cal844]

DSN Retrosport do the 90° alloy take off that goes straight into the hose. They do a 1/2inch and 5/8 inch variant

[mab01uk]

The 'Genuine' Minispares valve is supposed to be of a higher quality to the correct spec.

 

HEATER VALVE GENUINE MINISPARES ORIGINAL SHAPE - ADU9102MS
"Genuine Mini Spares heater valve. The original RANCO tooling has been scrappped so beware of some imports available where the inners quickly explode loosing the metal cap and all your water when operated.This has M4 metric thread bolt included for the cable screw instead of the 11/31"unc thread original For the straight stem version of this valve see 13H5506. For the correct best specification part available you will see MSC stamped on the side of the casting."

https://www.minispar...-original-shape

Edited by mab01uk, 06 June 2026 - 02:10 PM.

[Quinlan minor]

Just fitted a brand new heater valve to my 1098 and, surprise surprise, it leaks, this one through the spindle hole. I know I can get an adapter to do away with it but has anyone taken the guts out of one then sealed it back up? I just need the 90' bend for my needs, not the valve part. Many thanks, Phil.

If it leaks, despite being new, I wouldn't trust it not to go pop when under pressure.

Happened to a friend of mine, while he had his head under the bonnet. Luckily, he didn't suffer permanent damage.

[Shooter63]

DSN Retrosport do the 90° alloy take off that goes straight into the hose. They do a 1/2inch and 5/8 inch variant

 

That's exactly what I've used on the latest engine build, it's just another thing eliminated that could and possibly will go wrong,  but saying that my Mrs mini has got the Minispares one fitted, and hasn't given any grief as yet.

 

Shooter 

[yukonphil]

Thanks for all the replies, flippin great this site! I may well have to buy the retro sport one, just sulking a bit because my specific application meant I had to remove the bracketery on it with a grinder so I won't get my money back . Just wondered if I opened it up and gutted it could I seal it back up? MOT on Monday so need to leave it for now.

[MatthewsDad]

I'll probably be shot for saying this but I use a domestic isolator valve on my spi in place of the inline version, which I don't trust.

[mab01uk]

Thanks for all the replies, flippin great this site! I may well have to buy the retro sport one, just sulking a bit because my specific application meant I had to remove the bracketery on it with a grinder so I won't get my money back . Just wondered if I opened it up and gutted it could I seal it back up? MOT on Monday so need to leave it for now.

 

Was it a genuine valve from Minispares (MSC stamped on the side of the casting) or an 'imported copy' valve which are known to leak/explode?

Edited by mab01uk, 06 June 2026 - 07:18 PM.

[yukonphil]

Thanks for all the replies, flippin great this site! I may well have to buy the retro sport one, just sulking a bit because my specific application meant I had to remove the bracketery on it with a grinder so I won't get my money back . Just wondered if I opened it up and gutted it could I seal it back up? MOT on Monday so need to leave it for now.

 
Was it a genuine valve from Minispares (MSC stamped on the side of the casting) or an 'imported copy' valve which are known to leak/explode?

I fear it was a 'Heavy duty' example from a different supplier

[68+86auto]

My one from minispares has been going for years. The minisport one it replaced didn't last six months.

[croc7]

I had a couple fail so I installed an old style brass heater valve for a Morris, MG, Austin Healy, the one with a 'faucet' style handle on the top.  The one that I have consists of two seperate pieces, the valve body and the adapter.  I like it, the sole drawback being that if you want heat in the car, its necessary to open it on manually rather using the control cable from inside of the car.  I think that I sourced it from Moss Motors.  ACA5455 is the part number for the valve itself, I'll nose around and see if I can find the part number for the adapter.

Edited by croc7, 07 June 2026 - 01:58 AM.

[yukonphil]

Thanks again for the replies, the major factor I have to work around is that the engine is in my trike! I can't go straight up with the pipe as the frame is in the way, same with the upright valve unfortunately. Looks like I'll get it through the MOT then try gutting it, if that goes wrong I'll get the Retrosport item.

[lsto]

Can't you fit a take off on the head (12G2534), fit a elbow silicone hose then the floating type heater valve (JJB10011)
I fitted this arrangement on my car about 4 years ago and it's been perfect since.

[yukonphil]

Can't you fit a take off on the head (12G2534), fit a elbow silicone hose then the floating type heater valve (JJB10011)
I fitted this arrangement on my car about 4 years ago and it's been perfect since.

Could do but if I'm gonna spend money it may as well be for the simple billet elbow from Retro sport, but appreciate the reply.

[cal844]

The retro sport item isn't as tall as the standard type heater valve, so will give you slightly more clearance.

Here is the page you need 😉 https://s-can.co.uk/...take-off-stubs/

I fitted the one that is red in the promo images

Edited by cal844, 07 June 2026 - 03:01 PM.