Tips on heater control valve

[01safari]

I found that coolant is dripping off of the heater control valve on my van. From below I can see it. any tips on replacing it? I was thinking of buying on of those cable operated hose clamp tools to do the job. would it help?

[chevymaher]

Removal & Installation
The procedure described is for the standard valve, other variations are similar.
Remove the air cleaner.
Remove the upper fan shroud.
Drain the engine coolant.
Disconnect the vacuum hose from the heater water control valve.
Using the hose clamp pliers, reposition the heater inlet pipe (5) clamp from the heater water control valve.
Remove the heater inlet pipe from the heater water control valve.
Using the hose clamp pliers, reposition the heater outlet pipe (6) clamp from the heater water control valve.
Remove the heater outlet pipe from the heater water control valve.
Using the hose clamp pliers, reposition the heater inlet hose clamp from the heater water control valve.
Remove the heater inlet hose from the heater water control valve.
Using the hose clamp pliers, reposition the heater outlet hose clamp from the heater water control valve.
Remove the heater outlet hose from the heater water control valve.
Remove the bolt (3) that retains the heater water control valve (4) to the heater assembly.
Remove the heater water control valve

To install:
Install the heater water control valve (4) to the heater assembly.
Install the bolt (3) that retains the heater water control valve to the heater assembly.
Tighten the bolt to 35 inch lbs (4 Nm).
Install the heater outlet hose to the heater water control valve.
Using the hose clamp pliers, reposition the heater outlet hose clamp to the heater water control valve.
Install the heater inlet hose to the heater water control valve.
Using the hose clamp pliers, reposition the heater inlet hose clamp to the heater water control valve.
Install the heater outlet pipe to the heater water control valve.
Using the hose clamp pliers, reposition the heater inlet pipe (5) clamp to the heater water control valve.
Install the heater inlet pipe to the heater water control valve.
Using the hose clamp pliers, reposition the heater outlet pipe (6) clamp to the heater water control valve.
Connect the vacuum hose to the heater water control valve.
Fill the cooling system.
Install the upper fan shroud.
Install the air cleaner.

[01safari]

I was thinking of picking up a set like this to help with it

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... 947390000P


Thanks for the write up, looks like from the top is the way to go. I guess now is the time to do the belt and tensioner also.

[chevymaher]

Looks like a nice tool.I use radiator heater hose clamps and a small socket and driver(screw driver handle that fits 1/4 sockets).

[RECox286]

Wow ! A new tool to find room for in my overflowing roll-around... (I love new tools.)

Bob

[sfeaver]

I got one of them.. They work slick!

[scott936]

Mine developed the same problem after I serviced the cooling system... I replaced 5 hoses, upper, lower, bypass, and the two hoses from the engine to heater valve. About a week later the valve started to leak Now I'm having a big issue finding heater core hoses......

[jsimon7777]

I just replaced my valve. Here's a tip, though. Don't bother draining the whole cooling system. That's a long pain in the butt with hazardous material to dispose of. I bought some hose clamps from Harbor Freight and pinched off the hoses while I replaced the valve. Sure, some fluid ended up spilling, but there was already a mess of coolant from the leak, so no problem there.

[kumisukka]

Found it. It was heater valve that is dripping cooling liquid.
http://www.therupertsonline.com/jon/car ... G_0665.JPG
better image there.

[KitsapSteve]

does the HEATER CONTROL VALVE have to leak for a failure ?

[chevymaher]

does the HEATER CONTROL VALVE have to leak for a failure ?

No it can not leak and not allow hot water to pass through it.

[KitsapSteve]

thanks for the quick reply, I just attempted to locate mine wow, it's buried under that black box...I am dealing with the Vacuum hoses first then to the HCV...