I did both on my back in the driveway, without even lifting my 84 Westy (sits higher than a 90).  Only a slight lift on the 90 Westy.

 

I used basic tools, like vice grips, and was able to do it (probably less than a $20 tool investment at Harbor Freight).

 

Funny thing, our friends who had the 90 Westy was an OBGYN… while lending a hand, he said delivering a baby was a bit easier… LOL!

 

From: Richard Koerner [mailto:rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2021 7:04 PM
To: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com; Jack R
Subject: Re: Hot Foot well

 

The guy in the youtube video had a lift.  How hard would this job be if only floor jack and jackstands?  Seems like that heater valve is waaaay up there, and jackstands make the valve even further away.  Also, need the hose pinch pliers and the gizmo to remove the spring clamps; at that point, it seems it is starting to make sense to buy the valve and take it to a mechanic who has these tools and equipment (I would think any experienced auto mechanic, wouldn't have to necessarily be a Vanagon mechanic).

 

On Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 3:34:28 PM PDT, Jack R <jack007@comcast.net> wrote: 

 

 

John

I had this issue in my 84 Westy, and our friends had it in their 90 Westy.

In BOTH cases, a change (30 to 60 minutes, depending on experience) of the heater valve did the trick!  
3 years later, still no hot feet! 
But the valve will set you back $9, so save your pennies :)  https://www.vanagain.com/shop/valve-front-heater

Difficulty of a "2" on a 1-10 scale.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35MkLMMQrhc

Hope this helps!

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Rodgers
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 11:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Hot Foot well

My front heater is putting out some heat all the time, even though
everything is in the off position. At this point I am interested in just
cutting off the water to the heater core. Anyone know how to do this? How
to put in a shut off valve somewhere. Got a link to a how-to video maybe?

Thanks