I have been running a valve from NAPA for 14 years now.  No problem with it.

On Sat, Jul 1, 2023 at 8:31 AM Bruce Todd <beeceetee@gmail.com> wrote:

> Spend the extra cash and buy the deluxe front heater valve from GW - or
> elsewhere if available.  The regular after market ones can fail within
> weeks…ask me how I know.
>
> Bruce
>
> On Saturday, July 1, 2023, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > For the front heater valve there is really only 2 reasons they need to be
> > replaced. They leak, or are frozen solid. Leakage is the common one.
> > If the heat is not turning off most likely the cable is kinked where it
> is
> > attached to the dash control lever. Pull the instrument cluster and you
> can
> > service it right there.
> > There is a design flaw here. The distance from the outer sheath(guide
> > tube), (needed to support and guide the cable when pushed) is too great
> > whick allows the cable to bend if any "effort" is needed to push the
> valve
> > or overcome friction in the cable friction and kink is there.
> >
> > As a fix, I determine where the sheath can be placed with the lever all
> > the way home, then cut the cable back leaving enough room to make that
> step
> > on the end. It takes some care but the cbale can be bent to re-make that
> > step to attach t the lever.
> >
> > Replacing that valve I find getting the cable attached to the valve is a
> > real bear. I know just take it cable and all, re-install the then
> attached
> > the cable to the lever.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Mark
> > Drillock
> > Sent: Friday, June 30, 2023 6:27 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Heater hose ball valve behind glove compartment?
> >
> > Under the van are the 2 long heater hoses running right next to the 2
> long
> > main coolant pipes.
> > Figure out which of the 2 hoses warms up first.
> > Cut it in a accessible spot and add a valve with the lever facing where
> > you can best reach it.
> > An autoparts store should carry heater valves with the right hose
> diameter.
> > Dennis says 5/8" and I think some later vans may be 3/4".
> > This is the inside hose diameter.
> >
> > Clamp the hose pinched shut on either side of where you are going to cut
> > it to reduce coolant loss.
> > Or work quickly and expect coolant dripping down your arm.
> >
> > Mark
> >
> > On 6/30/2023 2:52 PM, Steve Williams (Contractor) wrote:
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > >
> > > I have a fairly severe case of my front heater valve leaking hot water
> > > by and constantly heating my wife and I up... at 30C it's kind of
> > > sub-optional!   lol.
> > >
> > > I want to do a "quick fix" and put a ball valve in the   heater hose.
> > > I've heard you can do that behind the glove box.
> > >
> > > What is the internal diameter of the heater hose?
> > >
> > > What kind of valve would I need?   Something that would take hose
> clamps.
> > >    I live in a small town and the local hardware store didn't have
> > > anything suitable.   Either solder on (copper plumbing) or PEX crimp
> on.
> > >
> > > Any pointers are appreciated.
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Steve Williams
> >
>