Before adding a cooling system to my '81, I considered using a different
heat control valve (like John suggested) but was a little skeptical. I
wasn't sure how an open/closed per season valve would work in real life
(bear in mind this is my first water cooled Westy). So I did things as per
stock.
But......

Currently the heat control valve cable is connected, and I can open/close it
(exposed end of the cable has an "L" bend), but I just leave it open. The
heat exchange box has new seals so closing the main flap on it shuts off
almost 100% of the air flow anyway.

I must say. IMO, the stock heat control valve sure looks like a mickey mouse
piece. One reason I leave it's open for the winter/spring. Prior to
installing a cooling system, I thought I'd put in a residential type valve
with a mechanical linkage. AFAIK, the valve would have to be secured well (a
challenge?) so the mechanical linkage wouldn't move it while using it. But I
digress.

In hindsight, I should have set things up so that the valve was accesible
from the inside.

Neil.

On Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 9:07 AM, John Rodgers <inua@charter.net> wrote:

> This problem has been of such dimension over time that many have opted
> to install a special shut off valve in one of the hoses just under the
> trim and heat diverter panel that is between the dash and the floor.
> They work the valve much like the "seasonal" valve on the rear heater.
> Turned "OF" in summer and "ON" in winter. The control valve operated by
> the cables has always been pesky from day one, and the only way to be
> sure it was all the way on or of was to get under the vehicle and reach
> up and manually turn the thing the final fraction of an inch to seat it.
> Installing that secondary valve eliminates that problem and makes it
> easier to control. No more dropping the spare tire and getting under the
> van.
>
>
> Rob Rubin wrote:
>
>> Hi guys,
>>
>>
>>
>> I recently re did my front heater core and blower, the whole deal! I
>> replaced everything as it was previously. Here's the problem, I still get
>> warm air when the valve is turned off. The rub is that the arrow
>
>

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