On Jun 14, 2024 John Evans in Coquitlam, BC, Canada wrote:
"I'm trying to determine if my heater control valve is original, or at least an older/more reliable replacement. The valve is stamped CHS 170, which I've not been able to match via internet search. I have been able to find reference to 'CHS' on other MGA heater related parts, but not a valve. Can anyone shed light on this question"? ....


Cecelia Bruce in Pawtucket, RI, USA wrote:
"We have one of those as well, (used, not new) and also wondered who made them. All the original MGA & MGB heater control valves were made by SMITHS and were stamped on the top face of the valve with their part number which is FHW1272/48 and another version which was FHW1272/42. Also they made a similar version for the MGB-V8 models, which looks very similar but is FHW1272/34.

Bob Shafto in New Hudson, MI, USA wrote:
"I have two, both stamped FHW1272/42. I believe them to be a 57 and a 59 (but can't be certain).

Don Tremblay in Rutland, MA, USA wrote:
"All of the currently available reproductions seem to be unbranded with no identification markings. I have both versions of the Smiths FHW1272/42 and a FHW1272/48 water valve. They are both identical except that the /42 is dull silver cad plated (some may argue zinc plated) and the /48 is gold tone cad plated. Based on the plating, I would surmise that the /48 is a later version with the later superseded cad plating that replaced the dull silver cad plating around 1963. As far as I know, the MGB heater valve is identical. However, Smiths changed the part number to: FHW1292/41.