1952-59 Ford 56 ranch wagon heater temperature control valve

I did not get an engine when I bought my wagon. Working on the heater (no a/c), I am trying to find out what the temperature control cable hooks to. How is the water flow through the heater core controlled? Did a valve mount in one of the heater hoses or to the block? I now have a 302 installed.
Pictures would be helpful. Checking the illustration catalog for the 50's fords is not clear.
Thanks in advance for helping.
Bill

 

using the stock heater?

 

Vacuum Switch For Intake Heater Valve by danman55 posted Feb 18, 2021 at 10:03 AM

Intake Heater Valve by danman55 posted Feb 18, 2021 at 10:03 AM

IMG_5932-FullSizeRender by danman55 posted Feb 18, 2021 at 10:00 AM

In 55 and 56 Ford controlled coolant flow to the heater core in one of two ways...

1. At the firewall with a valve that had a thermostat in the plenum and was also linked to the dash lever for H and C (this is the firewall picture above obviously)

or

2. At the intake manifold near the thermostat where a vacuum controlled valve controlled the flow to the heater core.

what heater parts do you have on hand?

 

yes, stock heater ***embly. my 55 parts car has a valve mounted towards the center of the firewall next to the heater box. The 56 I am building does not have that valve. So, it may have been on the manifold. I do not have that valve. It was probably on the engine when it was removed way before I got the wagon. I have found one that cable controlled and goes in one of the heater hoses. That would throttle the flow to the heater core.
Where would the supply of vacuum come from? Is that part of the heater control unit in the dash?
With the 302, would the vacuum unit fit and work?
Sorry for so many questions. I am confused at best.
Thanks for helping.
Bill

 

Water doesn’t know or care; same with the vacuum which tees off the wiper motor. The temp slide. top one, on the dash controller cable tells the vacuum valve to work in Dannans photo which allows vacuum to go to the heater valve screwed into the intake. When it gets vacuum it opens and allows water to circulate thru the heater core. The lower control slide open the right fresh air at its first stop. Then closes on the second so the fresh air will flow thru the heater, the 3rd stop moves a flapper that closes the air to the floor and directs it to the defrost.
If the heater is correctly plumped it doesn’t care what engine is doing it. All my 56 heater is in a box as everything but the controller came out for the new AC/heater..

 

Agree with Jimmy Six...no vacuum needed, just any valve to connect the cable - mine is actually inline on the incoming side hose. Inexpensive Dorman type inline valve....

 

Thank you all so very much. I'll get the manual valve and be all set.

 

If you ever go to AC/heater you might get an electronic valve. Works great to keep hot water from the unit so the AC works more efficient.