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Subject:Re: WAS:trip out west-NOW: Heater valve
From:Dave Mcneely
Date:Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:16:27 -0500

Please remember that the primary heater on my 1991 Volkswagon Vanagon GL Campmobile won't shut off.  That's quite a problem in 100 F plus heat, since shutting the air valves doesn't absolutely block heat from entering the cabin.

So, finally got the heater valve cable traced from the lever to the valve.  Cable works fine, doesn't bind, isn't crimped.  Valve appears to turn from external view when the lever is shifted.  I can turn the valve directly with my hand, and the lever shifts.  Did this with a partner watching the lever, and the partner shifted the lever while I turned the valve while under the van.  Seems to work both ways.

So, if the heater won't shut off, the valve must be bad, right?  Looks simple to replace, but I guess the more difficult process will then be refilling the coolant and getting the air purged from the system.  Well, that's another story.  Can anyone confirm that I am right about the valve?  Seems pretty straightforward to me that that is the case, but you guys are experts, I'm not.

David McNeely