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Hello all. I have a 1972 which I just restored to running condition with a new motor rebuilt by myself, and now have come across a problem. The standard 4way w/ bypass heater valve leaks. I've been to the junkyards and stuff, only to find valves that leak. No one online seems to have theim, either. Any recomendations/thoughts about the bypass valve and its usefulness? I was just thinking about plumbing in a on/off valve similar to the valves 1970 F250's...you guys see any problems? Do i really need a bypass system?

Sorry for the long post, just wanna be clear. Thanks guys.

The bypass valve allows coolant to be circulated through the system but not through the heater core. If you just put a valve in, coolant would not circulate though any of the lines, just the radiator hoses. As far as heat goes, seems to me that it would take longer for the heat to get to the core, as the coolant in the lines will be somewhat cold and will have to be cycled through when the valve is turned. Another thing to think about is, pressure in the line from the heater core to the coolant pump. I am not too sure about psi, but it would be putting some pressure on that hose when the engines running, which could just make more problems/leaks down the road.

Check Ebay. I've seen new valves on there every once in a while...

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Resident lurker

The bypass system also runs coolant around the head and intake before the thermostat opens up. That has pros and cons though. It warms the intake up nicely, making for quicker cold weather warm ups, but it also heats it after it warms up. Warmer air = lower hp yield from the air/fuel mix.

I dunno about the pressure issue, but I'd be more leary about not circulating water around the block/head during warmup. You get a hot spot in the wrong place before the thermstat opens up and it could lead to head gasket problems.