The new one is now installed, works great, and (so far) leak free.
Assuming this one lasts more than a 3 months, I'll just chalk it up
to bad luck that I had two bad ones in a row...

On Jan 4, 2007, at 7:04 AM, Kenneth Wilford wrote:

> 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?