> -----Original Message-----
 Wouldn't the route through the heater core produce the same
> return of hot coolant to the engine block?
>
>
Owen,
With the heater valve closed, It is in the same state as if you plugged the
hoses. With the valve open, a restricted flow of coolant passes thru the
core (just a mini radiator)where it loses heat by means of the fan blowing
cold air across it. In any case I think it's a much smaller volume returning
to the engine than if you link the hoses together. Correct me if I'm wrong
list...

Here's Ben's really usefull link if you want to repair the heater:
http://www3.sympatico.ca/huotx/rear_heater.htm
Cheers,
John Meeks
Top of Lower Michigan
'91 MultiVan

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
> Of Owen
> Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2003 8:12 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: FOLLOW UP MINOR? COOLANT CATASTROPHE HELP NEEDED
>
>
> The PO of my van had bypassed the heater with a plastic elbow. I
> discovered
> this while traveling and built a replacement from air brake parts from a
> truck stop in a fit of desperation in west Texas. Since then it
> has held up
> fine.
>
> This sounds like my fix is a bad idea and I should just cap off the two
> lines instead? Wouldn't the route through the heater core produce the same
> return of hot coolant to the engine block?
>
> Owen Brand
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Meeks" <jmeeks@GASLIGHTMEDIA.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2003 6:23 PM
> Subject: Re: FOLLOW UP MINOR? COOLANT CATASTROPHE HELP NEEDED
>
>
> > Chris,
> > It seems to me that joining the two hoses would create a circuit whereby
> hot
> > coolant could circulate back to the engine without ever passing thru the
> > radiator.
> >
> > A catastrophic blowout like that happenned to me and it was the plastic
> > bleeder valve on the rear heater. The local VW shop (it was still in
> > warrantee) replaced it with  what looks like a brass pressure relief
> valve.
> > Wash off the core really good before you re-connect it or it
> will STANK..
> >
> > Best o luck
> > John Meeks
> > Top of Lower Michigan
> > '91 MultiVan
> >
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > So is it better to join the two hoses or cap them? Also should I just
> > > try and measure the concentration and add water/coolant as neeed or
> > > flush all over again?  Thanks again for all the help.
> > >
> > > chris  almida
> > >
> >
>