well i temporarily fixed the problem. th pivot point for the arm that moves the valve was rusted stuck. so i pulled out the valve assembly and soldered a couple 90* 1/2" copper fittings together to make a bypass. the fittings can be purchased at any hardware store. the only other things you need are a torch, some 50/50 solder and some flux.
![](http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/mxman0188/yellow%20snow/heaterbypass.jpg)