Lotus Europa Community

Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: buzzer on Friday,October 23, 2015, 04:45:38 AM

Title: Tapered thread size on heater valve
Post by: buzzer on Friday,October 23, 2015, 04:45:38 AM
A quick question if anyone knows. I am fitting my TC out and have fitted a racing type 47 exhaust system from Banks and I want to keep the heater in place so I want to fit the heater valve. The heater valve won't fit onto the head with the exhaust system in place and I need to fit a 90 degree male/female bend to get it to fit. the thread on the heater valve looks like a BSPT  British Standard Pipe Thread Tapered to me, but does anyone know what the thread size is?

Thanks

Dave
Title: Re: Tapered thread size on heater valve
Post by: BDA on Friday,October 23, 2015, 05:58:27 AM
I had a similar problem and I used a 3/8 NPT 45 degree elbow. NPT is a tapered thread and is common on this side of the pond for pipe applications so BSPT and NPT must be very close. I got mine from Earls Supply but a good supplier of AN plumbing should be able to sell you one. You might be able to get one at a hardware store but I wouldn't put one on my car!
Title: Re: Tapered thread size on heater valve
Post by: jbcollier on Friday,October 23, 2015, 06:04:53 AM
NPT fittings are commonly available in steel and brass, and from specialty suppliers in alloy.  Your local hardware store will have 'em.
Title: Re: Tapered thread size on heater valve
Post by: buzzer on Thursday,November 12, 2015, 03:21:08 AM
As a reference the thread on the heater valve us 3/8" BSPT, British Standard Pipe Thread Tapered.

No luck in hardware stores, Ebay was the answer.  I must admit I was shocked at how little staff in even the specialist hardware stores know, BSP...what's that from a local trade stockist. must have visited them the wrong time.  I found the same with nuts and bolts, basically anything above 12mm is specialist and if you want UNC ..forget it! EBay has been my saviour.

Dave
Title: Re: Tapered thread size on heater valve
Post by: StrawberryCheesecake on Thursday,November 12, 2015, 05:14:17 AM
 I was going to suggest you try Think Automotive, but it sounds like you're already sorted. They're pretty good at car plumbing for most fluid types
Title: Re: Tapered thread size on heater valve
Post by: buzzer on Thursday,November 12, 2015, 09:14:34 AM
Yes, sorted but my challenge is I have too many other time pressure jobs..and work to do so the i'm not making much progress at the moment.
And I have to do my books this week for my accountant AHHHH   :(