I just did two rear heater cores today. I'll bet the front one leaks too you
just don't know it as all the outside air dilutes the smell. While rare on
the Vanagon catastrophic leave you on the side of the road heater failures
are fairly common for 80s and 90s VWs.

For the rear heaters the valves themselves do not leak that often as they do
not get operated much. The gasket between the valve and core sometimes is a
problem and you need to be careful not to over tighten-crack the bleeder. (I
never touch it) A good sealer on the flanges will prevent all trouble. Also,
if replacing the hoses use the correct ones. Most American heater hose is
too stiff and this will tweak the valve causing to leak at the flange.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Finn Runyon
Sent: Sunday, March 3, 2013 2:51 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Rear Heater

Our van is nearly ready to hit the road after a year's work to rebuild the
engine.  I bought this one with a blown engine.  The rear heater os leaking,
and I am wondering if the valve tends to leak, the O ring, the core?  If
there is a most common failure I will do that or do generally rebuild the
whole unit?  The valve defiantly is leaking.
Thanks,
Finn Runyon
87 Westy Roo
89 Westy Pooh
12 GTI Autobahn