Hmm.  I replaced the heater but not the valve - thought it was the same unit.  I will investigate!

Don't think it's a pinhole leak but i will look further.

Thanks for the tips everyone

Jeff

On May 15, 2020 at 8:50 a.m., Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET> wrote:

Hi Jeff,

I’ve done this twice now on my current and first vanagon.

First one I smelled it and replacing the heater core fixed it.

On my current 85 I replaced the core after fining some coolant under back seat. I never smelled it.

Changed core and the leak was still there.

This list I think Stuart recommended changing the valve on the core and I did that and the leak issues were over.

Did you get a new valve? I used the fully metal one, expensive but very nice.

There then that you may be on a coolant leak hunt.

You could also empty the rear bench place newspaper down and run the van. See if you can find the leak from valve or other location.

Man, I’m so low tech and back yard mechanic compared to people on this list!

Hope you get real answers soon!

Eric Caron
85 GL Westfalia
Currently At Bohemia Bus Spa

On May 15, 2020, at 10:36 AM, Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@icloud.com <mailto:w.jeff.palmer@icloud.com>> wrote:

Forwarding to you Eric because i know all my messages go to Junk - even my own!
Thanks
Jeff Palmer

Begin forwarded message:

From: Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@ICLOUD.COM <mailto:w.jeff.palmer@ICLOUD.COM>>
Date: 2020-05-15
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: [VANAGON] Leaky rear heater

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