Below is a flashback, but the most recent message is from
3/31/12.  It works great.  I have no (working) AC so every bit of
heat I can prevent from coming in is important.  There is a
noticeable difference with it closed both in the front and rear.  My
rear heater doesn't shut off either...as I say below in my last year voice.

>Update on this.  I think McNeely reported getting a replacement
>front heater valve from NAPA, so I looked into that.  only $6, and
>they had it at my local store the next day for pickup.  I did the
>"blow through test" and no air went through it.  So I put it in
>place of cpvc prototype mentioned below.  It will not flow as much
>coolant when open as my cpvc version but at least I know it's
>compatible with the coolant.  Seems to shut off fully, and it's
>getting to that time of year when I want that.
>
>Edward
>
>
>At 09:54 AM 6/24/2011, Edward Maglott wrote:
>>John,
>>I have installed a prototype valve that shuts off all flow to both
>>heaters in my 2.1.  It is installed in the heater hose near the
>>driver's side driveshaft.  I made it out of CPVC because it was
>>cheap.  I know that material is not compatible with the coolant, I
>>will take it out promptly.  Probably will make the final version
>>out of copper unless someone points me to a better choice at a
>>similar price.  I used a 1/2' ball valve with about 3" of 1/2" pipe
>>sticking out of each end.  Cut the hose and stuck the pipes into
>>each end and secured with 2 hose clamps on each.  Works great.  You
>>do have to get under the van to switch it on or off, but for the
>>really hot part of the year that is probably fine.  It is pretty
>>easy to reach and do without getting dirty if you lay down your
>>piece of cardboard or tarp that lives between rear cushion and engine cover.
>>
>>Neither of my heaters turn off completely.  I don't notice it until
>>it is really hot.  Even though there is no air moving past the rear
>>heater it heats up the whole underseat cabinet and bed area if I
>>drive  a few hours.  Not cool for sleeping.
>>
>>Edward
>>
>>At 07:46 AM 6/24/2011, John Rodgers wrote:
>>>  I need to install a summer shutoff valve on the hose to the front
>>>heater core. I just cannot get the heat valve to close tight enough, and
>>>in this summer heat hot air blowing is a bit much. Is this procedure
>>>posted on a website anywhere? Got a link?
>>>
>>>Thanks,
>>>
>>>John

At 05:24 PM 5/23/2012, JRodgers 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