In a message dated 9/25/05 11:37:32 AM, inua@CHARTER.NET writes:

<<  I cannot help but wonder why a full surface gasket properly cut,

and greased with some silicone sealant or other like plumbers Goop,

would not make a perfectly acceptable and very likely permanent fix for

this thing. >>

John,

It's plastic so it will likely distort with the clamping pressure of the
fasteners and although it might be clamped tight around the fasteners, the slight
flex in the assembly will lessen the clamping force at its midpoint and
possibly leak.  The last time I replaced a rear heater valve, I am fairly certain
that I used a standard round section O-ring which sealed perfectly.

George