I tried taking mine apart as well maybe 3 times, but this valve is very troublesome. A much easier and cheaper fix is mentioned in my previous threads. If your concerned about keeping the truck orginal, then just take the valve out and store it somewhere. Mine did the same thing, leaking and it kept the fan "on " all time which is not good for the clutch and it robs horsepower from the truck. There are "dealers" that sell the valve but your going to pay around 200 bux for it which is ridiculous. I fixed mine for less than 10 bux. Since I do not use the ether valve and have a plug in block heater I used that circuit to power the solenoid valve to operate the fan, I just watch the temp gauge and push the button and hold it for a minute or two to engage the fan, but my truck runs cool anyway and never had to press it more than once. I plan on removing the old valve and putting a thermoprobe in the hole to make it automatic later. Its so easy a caveman can do it !!