You can install a valve in the heater line under the van (or in the heater compartment) in addition to the stock valve.  That valve can be closed for summer running, and then opened when weather cools again.  The main reason these things stick is that the wire that runs from the lever on the dash to the heater valve is kinked.  That can be corrected, of course, but is apt to happen again.  Ever try to push a rope?  One solution, if you do install a not kinked wire, is to regularly lube the wire and the tube that it runs through with a bit of oil.  But some of them get so they won't close completely, even if the wire is not kinked.  It just curls up a bit instead of pushing the valve closed.  Not a good design.  I finally got mine working, but I look for it to start sticking open again.  When it does, I'll probably put in an accessory valve.  mcneely

---- JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> What options might there be - even temporary - for shutting off the heat
> up front in the Vanagon. My heat valve is stuck to a degree of open and
> it gets pretty warm on the feet up front now that warm weather is here.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John

--
David McNeely