Jim,
Why not take another simpler route to no heat in the front compartment?
I added a brass ball valve behind the heater cover.
I changed the plastic heater valve, and forever was adjusting the cable
clip which seems to be the culprit more times than one can count of the
leaking valve problem.
I added the brass absolute, positive shut off valve and no heat at my
feet, ever.
It's much simpler to add this add on valve than to change, adjust,
crawl, and groap for the poorly designed Vanagon heater valve.
I found this to be an excellent option.

RC