I haven't had any complaints on these.  The ones I sell at the moment are
Meyle (German) but before that for many years I would get OE VW ones where
the VW emblem was just ground off.  I don't think there are too many
aftermarket makers of this valve because the dealer version is not really
that expensive.  My advice would be to get a new dealer one.  If that fails
early then at least you know you got the best one out there.  I will
continue to sell the Meyle ones until I get some negative feedback on them.

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
http://www.strictlyvwauctions.com
http://www.eurovan.org
http://www.vwcabrio.org
Phone: (856)-327-4936
Fax: (856)-327-2242 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Michael Diehr
Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2007 8:59 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Crappy Parts Rant Again

I've just ordered my third Heater Valve in two years.   The original
one worked for about 6 months, then failed in a way that it would never
fully block the flow of hot water.  Eventually, the little tab that stops
the motion of the lever broke off (probably 'cause I was pushing it too hard
in frustration when it began failing to close fully).  Replacement #2 worked
about 3 months, then developed a leak from the seam -- it drips coolant when
the system is under
pressure.   I'm hoping that #3 will be better.

Did I just get unlucky?  Or has anyone else noticed a batch of bad heater
valves? (part # 171 819 809E)

I notice prices on this part are all over the map -- Under $10 at
some vendors, up to $20 at others and the dealer.   Is there an OEM/
aftermarket difference?  If so, what is the "good" brand?