In a message dated 8/28/04 12:58:39 PM, drillock@EARTHLINK.NET writes:

<< Come on, Robert. Replacing the stock heater valve is not that big of a

deal. I have replaced dozens of them without later needing to constantly

or even once adjust them. They do seem to only last 15 years or so but

for $15, so what? >>

No, it's not a big deal to change the heater control valve as long as you
don't mind jacking up the front of the van, removing the spare tire (and, to make
life a little easier, the spare tire tray), pinching off the heater hoses
then peckering around to remove the hose clamps and the cable clip while reaching
up into a dark hole.  Once that is done, you get to do it all over again in
reverse.  Oh, and God forbid if you have unwisely bought a heater valve from an
aftermarket vendor for you might have the opportunity, as I did, to do it all
over again.

Why add a stop valve to the heater line?  It is far easier to do.  It is an
absolute solution to the problem.  It is cheaper.  It will outlast your van.
And, perhaps the most compelling reason is that it is sound design.  In any
proper piping system I have seen, whenever a control valve is installed right
beside it will be a stop valve.

George