77 MGB newbie Heater Rheostat

I am new to this forum, but need help. I'm looking for a part number for the temperature control rheostat. I normally order parts from Victoria British, but can't find it in the catalog. Can anyone help.

Welcome Phil,

Looks like the rheostat control assembly is not available new, And they rarely fail just get a little stiff over the years, Are you missing on..?

http://www.victoriabritish.com/icatalog/mg/full.aspx?Page=111

I'm guessing that you want the water (heater) control valve that mounts to the side of the engine above the distributor?

http://www.victoriabritish.com/icatalog/mg/full.aspx?Page=111

Thanks for the replies. The control knob inside the car, is what I am looking for Rick, it won't turn now, it's stuck in the hot zone. I guess I need to try and clean it.

phil, a few years ago i had a problem with the control knob not turning. the problem was traced back to the control valve above the distributor. disconnect the cable from the control valve and see if your knob will turn now.

All of the above. They were stiff from day one and got worse over the years as they were not used often.

If you want it to work like a modern car you can forget it. It isn't going to happen.

One the other hand if you are willing to put some considerable effort into the project, pull everything out except the cable housing. Lube the cable itself and run it back and forth inside the housing until you feel like it is as smooth as possible.

I have a running argument with a friend who has his cable routed sharply around the far corner of the forward section of the cowling and between the trim panel and the metal. He insists that this is the way it is supposed to be but he still has a problem with his temp control operation.

I am reluctant to tell you to pull the water valve and get it limbered up as they have a propensity to leak when disturbed. Perhaps the best thing would be to start shooting PB Blaster at it and get it soaked well over a few days time before trying to work the lever by hand off and on until it becomes free. Don't be surprised of the diaphragm begins to leak though.

The mechanism behind the dash is cheesy at best. Not well thought out and not well made. If you remove it and spend a little while messing with it on the bench you might get it to work acceptably well, but again, it isn't ever going to work like something out of a new car.

Pretty much ditto on the air control system too.

Jack