Help Identify Part

Looks like a found a diagram.....is this the vacuum canister reservoir? Any idea why there would be liquid coming out of it? Or could it just be water/precipitation?

Heater control valve. Common failure.

Birdshake said:

Heater control valve. Common failure.

Click to expand...

Thank you so much. So would this just be coolant leaking out? Or something else? Not entirely sure how this valve works. Thanks!

Yep, looks like the heater control valve is leaking coolant onto the vacuum tank. At least yours is leaking outward so it's easy to diagnose. Mine was latest was leaking internally and sending coolant into the intake. Just check the condition of the hoses as well as they are sometimes the culprit, if you're lucky.

Thanks!

Hmm..take note..add to list..Check heater control valve for leaks..Okay..got it..thanks!! I've got a slight coolant smell when shutting off my van after driving it....Let's see..#23 to check..Hmm..must be an Astro..

Yeah, if that's the original heater control valve you are really due for a new one. The plastic on those gets brittle if it's starting to leak, be very careful of what you wiggle there. I started to replace my heater core and was gently pulling away the hose from my heater core, and that valve you are looking at came apart in my hand. coolant everywhere real fast.

you don't want that failing on a trip.

Also be aware there are at least two versions of that valve so make sure you get the right one. (Rear heat vs no rear heat)

Can confirm, heater control valve. Replaced mine last month. Also, the round 'ball' is the vacuum canister for your vent control; while you're down there, check the hoses going to that canister. They can get brittle and break, but are very easy to replace.

Thanks for the info everyone!
Any idea how much this might cost to replace at a mechanic?

Assume the valve at $100 (usually around $50 online) and an hour labor at $100. Figure $200. Don't let them sell you on the coolant flush and heavy duty hoses and the usual garbage they like to load on. Always ask BEFORE the job. They're not difficult to do, it's just in a pain in the *** spot to get to. The people who design all the vehicles today and for the last 30 years or so should have to work on them first before their design goes thru.

ehbrown1 said:

Assume the valve at $100 (usually around $50 online) and an hour labor at $100. Figure $200. Don't let them sell you on the coolant flush and heavy duty hoses and the usual garbage they like to load on. Always ask BEFORE the job. They're not difficult to do, it's just in a pain in the *** spot to get to. The people who design all the vehicles today and for the last 30 years or so should have to work on them first before their design goes thru.

Click to expand...

Thank you. I'm in SoCal...so I'll add another $100 to that estimate