The engine uses the flow from the heater hoses to tell whether or not to open
it's thermostat.    A valved 'shunt' may be installed to bypass the rear
heater core and recirculate back to the system if you want to have it shut
off for summer.  It has to do with the design of the engine.  The subaru
engine is a flat boxer style engine similar to the wasserboxer and as such
has the same inherent difficulties in bleeding the system of air pockets.
Though that's where the similarities end.

Mike G.

Almost a syncaru

Karl Wolz wrote:

> I'm not trying to start a war here, but  . . .
>
> Is the Soob swap such a  marginal solution that it requires a heater to be
> on constantly?  Or does yours have a problem?  This is the first I have
> heard of this.
>
> Karl Wolz
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "mike and shari" <mjgarske@HOME.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2001 1:37 AM
> Subject: Re: REAR HEATER VALVE - 'Not' Understood (Sorry Zoltan)
>
> > I am finishing up the Subaru conversion to my syncro this week and
> > Zoltan's question got me thinking about wether or not my rear core was
> > in the open or closed position.  (The Subie engine Must have one of the
> > two cores open or it will overheat).  Soooo, as I was looking at the
> > valve I dicovered that it is difficult to tell what part of the valve
> > should be pointing forward for the 'On' position.  The top of the valve
> > handle of the bottom, there are no signifying marks on it.
> >
> >
> > Mike G.
> >
> > Zoltan wrote:
> >
> > > I have received the info from David Beierl that forward is open, back
> > > is closed.  No more discussion is needed on this issue.  Thanks
> > > David.Zoltan
> > >
> > >      ----- Original Message -----
> > >      From: Zoltan
> > >      To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > >      Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 4:20 PM
> > >      Subject: REAR HEATER VALVE
> > >       The Bentley does not say which way is open or closed.Could
> > >      any of you tell me right now.  I am just busy emptying the
> > >      system and now I need to know.  Thanks in advance.Zoltan
> > >
> >