Re-thinking what I wrote---I guess the "heater" circuit runs parallel to the "Radiator" circuit.� Thus, the hot coolent travels up to the front heater core, not the radiator, and then back.� I will admit that before "list wisdom", I too provided a bypass loop for the rear heater when I removed it for want of more storage space; seemed to make sense.� Ran it that way for about 10 years.� No ill effects that I can tell, and I've got 194,000 on my 85 1.9 L motor and still running as smooth and sweet as ever; no overheating problems ever, but I'm diligent on the 2 year coolant flush maintenance.

Now, with regard to that rear heater supply:� you've got a great resource for "free" hot water.� What I did was make a copper coil, about 15 feet of tubing.� Replaced the rear heater with that copper coil and a ball-valve for shutting on and off.� Put said coil in a "bucket"� (actually a 20 quart aluminum stock pot) with cold water.� Added a BBQ meat thermometer, digital, from WalMart---utilized some now un-used wires to the heater for running the output of the digital thermometer up to the dash area.� Anyway, the sequence goes as follows:� open ball-valve, look at the output of digital thermometer (say it's 60 degrees F).� Drive.� Watch the thermometer go up mile by mile....after 20 miles or so, the water temp in the pot is now about 115 degrees F.� Make a quick stop on side of road to shut off ball-valve.� You're good!--you've now got 5 gallons of hot water for whatever.� In my case, I use it for hot showers; drop in or install a 12VDC
 bilge pump with hose and shower nozzle into 20 quart stockpot, add a convenient on/off switch to maximize that precious hot water, and presto you've got 5 gallons of hot water for shower or washing dishes or whatever you like.

I once submitted a few more specifics and pictures of this contraption to The List; it was a lukewarm reception.� Oh well.� For me, and especially in the western USA, the hot shower facilities that are enjoyed by folks east of the Mississippi in campgrounds are not as abundant.� And I like to do stealth camping (recent Vegas, Valley of Fire, and Vanagons post).� So having that hot shower in my Vanagon has turned it into the Wondermobile!

And...yes..chicks did it!!� 

Hopefully will be at BBtB in January, can show my setup to any interested.

Rich
San Diego

--- On Sun, 12/4/11, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:

From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: Leaking Rear Heater
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Sunday, December 4, 2011, 4:46 PM

List wisdom says to plug the inlet and outlet to the heater if removing, not bypass; otherwise you're returning hot coolant right back to the engine instead of letting it do it's journey up to the radiator and back.

Rich
San Diego

--- On Sun, 12/4/11, tim <h2oboxer@OPTONLINE.NET> wrote:

From: tim <h2oboxer@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Leaking Rear Heater
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Sunday, December 4, 2011, 4:25 PM

Finally found out the source of my cold weather leak: rear heater core.

I would like to remove the core and just connect the hoses together.

What if the ID of the hoses that go to the rear heater?

Thanks