Good discussion. Can the electric solenoid details be provided? Perhaps an alternate source can be found. 

Thanks - Ron 

> On May 25, 2024, at 6:26 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Dennis this thread had made me think about that. Oh the Vanagon thought that inter our heads when confronted with Amazon and Banggood. The fight against satan never ends: )
> 
> Jim
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On May 25, 2024, at 7:23 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> If one want s to be really creative consider an electric solenoid valve to control coolant flow. Amazon ahs a number of 12 volt valves available at reasonable cost. This even allows for some automation. Add a thermostat switch. Consider for the rear heater. Turn off the flow to the rear heater until the return from the front is warm? Oh the options.
>> 
>> Dennis
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Alistair Bell
>> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2024 10:42 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: Front heater never shuts off
>> 
>> Interesting coincidence….i just got one of tencents ( intrepid overland ) heater valves with the constant bleeding feature .  Air bleeding of coolant, not fingers.
>> 
>> Haven’t installed yet.
>> 
>> My stock valve does not stop coolant to core any more.  
>> 
>> Alistair
>> 
>>>> On May 24, 2024, at 4:24 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> On the cheap(er) OEM style replacements, they will lose the ability
>>> to shut off water flow no matter if they are open or closed. I went
>>> through about three of those before ordering the then-$70 Gowesty
>>> upgrade valve and installing it. Even then it failed after two years
>>> but they sent me a free replacement. That has been about twelve years
>>> and no problem with the valve, just the cable-kink service Dennis describes one time.
>>> 
>>> The swap out operation is almost trivial. Don’t try to work with your
>>> hands up in the valve cavity lying on your back. Drop the glovebox and
>>> remove the two heater hose connections from the heater core. Pinch off
>>> the hoses with harbor freight hose clamps so you don’t lose coolant.
>>> Lower the whole valve assembly to the driveway and work on it there,
>>> then draw the hoses back up and reconnect to the heater core.
>>> 
>>> Jim
>>> 
>>>> On Fri, May 24, 2024 at 6:12 AM Dennis Haynes
>>>> <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> First place to look is at the cable. Common for it to kink at the
>>>> lever end. Easy to service after pulling instrument cluster.
>>>> Only reason to replace valve is if it is frozen to the point it
>>>> cannot move or it leaks. If it moves, it will close as best it can
>>>> unless the guts were melted.
>>>> 
>>>> Dennis
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of
>>>> ron johnson
>>>> Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2024 10:03 PM
>>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>>> Subject: Front heater never shuts off
>>>> 
>>>> My 91 is so uncomfortable in the summer.
>>>> Heat pours out of the dash with the heat control fully off.
>>>> Recommendations mostly point to replacing the control valve which is
>>>> a difficult process. Howes sells a deluxe unit for $90…..
>>>> Can a shut-off valve be installed in an easier to access location.
>>>> 
>>>> Many Thanks,
>>>> Ron J
>>>> Portland, OR
>>>> 91 Weekender, ‘Betsy’
>>>>