Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2022 13:47:16 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: GW metal valve not sealing to new rear heater core
In-Reply-To: <CAKbau51GyBY6ujG=Uo9-9LzSuichYuyrPNi5Pb+Y5wC0b7Zivw@mail.gmail.com>
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Hi Mark,
When I took part the leaking core that had worked for a few years I found the O ring had expanded a bit so was thicker then when I installed it. Also a bit less soft. The old core connection had a bo.
So, which came first? Did the O ring push out the core connection or did the softened plastic allow the o ring to expand? Something didn’t last over time.
Currently I’m not dripping just a mist that appears around the seam after a drive. I wipe clean then it appears after the next drive.
I’m so grateful we still fairly easily find parts like the rear heater core, but frankly I’d rather pay more and have it last.
Of course paying more for the same failure rate would be sad.
ERic
On Jan 18, 2022, at 11:51 AM, Mark McCulley <markmcculley@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Thanks Eric, I've emailed GW support to see what they have to say. I wonder
> if the flange on the new core is thinner and more susceptible to bowing. I
> will compare with the old core as well as compare the new o-ring with the
> old one to see if they are different in any way.
>
> -Mark.
>
> On Tue, Jan 18, 2022 at 8:28 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> Hi Mark,
>>
>> Yes,
>>
>> I’ve posted about this same issue recently.
>>
>> First, I noticed a leak started for no apparent reason on a low use rear
>> core. I had replaced the valve some time ago with the GW metal one.
>>
>> I replaced the O ring but it still leaked. I then purchased a new rear
>> heater core and when replacing I noticed the same Bowed problem. I could
>> feel a gap in the middle and when I took off the core and inspected it was
>> now in a permanent bow,not flat. .
>>
>> I put in another new O ring with the new core and it leaked less but still
>> misted.
>>
>> I then took it apart and had an experienced VW friend re assemble. I used
>> another new O ring. It seemed a better but after running the van for a
>> short time the mist slimy feel around the edge came back.
>>
>> So, I’ve still not completely solved the problem.
>>
>> I really wish the dealers would come up with a better rear core. It is
>> nice that this one is cheap but no fun to keep replacing every few years
>> and even then it often doesn’t work.
>> The O ring also seems either of poor quality or design, or both.
>>
>> I like having the rear heater but I’m beginning to think about just
>> connecting the hoses and removing the rear heater and enjoying some extra
>> space. It isn’t what I want but until a better solution is available it
>> may be my current solution.
>> Anyone out there with a solution for us?
>>
>> Eric Caron
>> 85 GL Auto
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Jan 18, 2022, at 9:13 AM, Mark McCulley <markmcculley@GMAIL.COM>
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> I just replaced a leaky rear heater core and am having an issue with the
>>> flange on the new core sealing to the metal GoWesty valve that I've had
>> for
>>> several years. I did obtain and use a new o-ring from GW. It seems that
>> the
>>> new o-ring isn't compressing sufficiently--the plastic flange on the
>> heater
>>> core bows in the middle when I cinch down the two bolts that secure it to
>>> the valve.
>>>
>>> Has anyone else encountered this problem?
>>>
>>> -Mark
>>> '87 Westy
>>
>>
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