Graco 116460 – Thermal Valve 3/8″ NPT
The Graco 116460 Thermal Valve 3/8″ NPT is a compact, OEM‑grade thermal‑relief valve. With its 3/8″ NPT threaded connection, it is designed to regulate fluid or air flow based on temperature — protecting fluid systems or spray equipment from overpressure due to thermal expansion or overheating.
Key Features & Functionality
- Thread size: 3/8″ NPT (male/female depending on system configuration)
- Thermal‑responsive design: Opens or regulates flow based on temperature, helping prevent thermal‑induced overpressure or damage
- Compact size: Approximately 1.8″ × 1.3″ × 1.65″ — easy to integrate into existing fluid/air‑line assemblies (per supplier spec) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- OEM quality: Genuine Graco part (P/N 116460) — ensures correct threading, sealing, and fit when used with compatible systems :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Use case: Ideal when the system requires reliable temperature‑dependent flow control or a safety relief valve for fluid/air lines under thermal/pressure stress
Compatible Machines / Systems
Because 116460 is a thermal‑valve component (not a universal add‑on) there is no authoritative public list of all machines that use it. However, based on documentation for pressure‑relief kits and system requirements, here are some of the types of systems / machine‑families where a thermal‑relief valve (with 3/8″ NPT threads) may be applied or required: :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Pump systems or fluid‑handling setups that require a thermal‑relief valve due to risk of fluid expansion (e.g. inline or tank‑mounted fluid pumps / supply units).
- Any equipment where the outlet or discharge line is exposed to changing ambient temperatures or heat (e.g. heated supply units, systems running from cool storage to warm environment).
- Sprayers or pressure‑washer style units that specify a “thermal relief valve” in their parts list (or models where thermal protection is recommended) — though you must cross‑check your machine’s parts diagram or manual for compatibility.
Important: Before installing 116460 on any machine — confirm the machine’s documentation / parts list refers to a “thermal valve 3/8 NPT” or explicitly lists P/N 116460. If it does not, the valve may not be compatible (thread size, pressure rating, or function may differ).
Why use this Thermal Valve?
- Provides automatic or temperature‑dependent flow control — protecting against overheating or overpressure caused by thermal expansion.
- OEM‑grade build ensures proper threading, safe sealing, and compatibility under pressure/thermal stress.
- Compact and easy to integrate — suitable for retrofits or replacements without large space demands.
- Useful maintenance/repair part when original thermal valve is worn, leaking, or malfunctioning — helps restore correct fluid safety regulation in systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
A thermal valve (or thermal‑relief valve) is a valve that responds to temperature changes — it opens, closes, or modulates flow based on thermal conditions. This helps to regulate fluid or air flow safely when temperature changes occur, thus protecting system components from overpressure or thermal stress.
Yes — part number 116460 is listed by multiple distributors as “VALVE THERMAL, 3/8 NPT,” confirming that it is a legitimate OEM Graco component. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
You should replace the valve if it fails to respond correctly to temperature changes, shows signs of leakage, the threads are damaged, or if system performance is degraded (e.g., inconsistent flow, over‑pressure events, or heating issues). A malfunctioning thermal‑relief valve can compromise fluid control and system safety.
