Hey Jeff, 

        It is a pretty easy fix.  I did the valve with the help of this list.  And the GW or Van cafe one I got was a very nice improvement.

Eric 
Eric Caron 
> On May 15, 2020, at 4:25 PM, Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@ICLOUD.COM> wrote:
> 
> It’s gotta be the valve. Argh!
> 
>> On May 15, 2020, at 3:18 PM, Jack R <jack007@comcast.net> wrote:
>> 
>> I went with the GW valve, and new core last year when I did my 84 Westy.
>> https://www.gowesty.com/product/cooling-system-/24275/gowesty-rear-heater-core-valve
>> 
>> No leaks, no smell, plenty of heat!
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Eric Caron
>> Sent: Friday, May 15, 2020 2:58 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: Leaky rear heater
>> 
>> Yes, it was not fun to clean up.  But the valve isn’t usually replaced along with the core.  The core does not come with a new valve in may experience. 
>> 
>> There are some plastic tabs in the floor.  They can be removed to help with drainage and cleaning.  I removed mine on list recommendation to prevent future coolant mess.  I should check them but at the time I duct taped them and put water drainage holes too small for mice. 
>> 
>> Eric 
>> 
>> 
>>> On May 15, 2020, at 2:43 PM, Bruce Todd <beeceetee@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Could it be the mechanic didn't mop up all the old coolant seeping around
>>> under the back bench - seems to me the floor of the box around the rear
>>> heater is concealed by thin particle board and hard to clean underneath it
>>> - perhaps coolant could have been hiding under the heater or particle board
>>> and then shifted / flowed to a visible  area?
>>> 
>>> Bruce
>>> 
>>>> On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 7:35 AM Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@icloud.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Hi everyone.  I had my rear heater replace a few weeks ago after noticing
>>>> the smell of coolant.  Didn't notice any leaks, until my mechanic told me
>>>> he saw coolant dripping from the body.  It must have been a pretty small
>>>> leak.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> It's been running fine with no smell since replacement but the other day i
>>>> found a puddle on the ground underneath the rear bench area.  I took the
>>>> cover off and keep expecting to see it sitting there in a puddle of coolant
>>>> but nothing.  Is there anywhere else it might be leaking if it's not the
>>>> heater itself?
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Thanks
>>>> 
>>>> Jeff
>>>> 
>>>> 85 Westfalia
>>>> 
>>>>