In previous "Tales" I discussed getting the Mongrel (my '72 B) to be a more long distance driver i.e. comfortable??? Many things were done including seat rebuild, insulation, quitter exhaust, heavy gauge header and a electronic overdrive trans. B's have never had capable heaters or defrosters. I found an excellent alternative with the MG Owners Club in Swassey England that featured a larger matrix and impeller, 2 speed fan all fitting into the original Smith's heater box. This I had professionally installed as I have tangled with getting the heater out of the B before and lost.

Fast forward to present and last Thursday where Susan and I attended the monthly Blount British Car Club meeting. We had a cold snap here in Tennessee so I told Susan "let's take the B and test the heater"! The drive to the meeting was heaven. The new heater worked like dream and I never even had to use the high speed on the fan. In fact, it blew out enough heat that I turned the fan off!! EUREKA!

Great meeting and dinner afterward. We drove back to house (is about a 27 mile drive). Half way there I noticed the heater wasn't blowing as much heat and after awhile none at all? I then noticed the temperature increasing. By the time we were within a few miles of home the temp gauge was climbing to the top. Oh, oh!! I got the B home and popped the hood. A quick pull of the dipstick showed oil in good condition. No visible coolant leaks. However, the B was dripping!! Took the work light for closer inspection and there it was....the gasket between the heater valve and block....drip, drip, drip!

As you know heater valves open/close mechanically with a twist of the heater dial. The bleeding grommet probably started to leak the moment I opened the valve. Upon removal the gasket was either not there or just plain mush. In the 40 years I owned the Mongrel did I ever change it? BIG NEGATIVE!! I suppose a paper gasket will last just so long.

Well, I am in process of not just placing a new gasket but also a new heater valve. After all, the original is almost 50 years old. While at it, why not change out all the under hood rubber (belts, hoses, etc..) . Also a new thermostat gasket. That "grommet" seemed to have had better days too.

Heater valves are simple but can pose a removal issue as the lower 7/16” bolt is not very accessible. The wrenches are just too long to clear the distributor. I have found that removing the top 7/16” and then rotating the valve counter clockwise will give access to the lower bolt.

~~ Ralph Arata