Heater Control Valve Saga

[Bernie Benz]

What, You didn¹t travel thru N. Nevada, Gardnerville, and stop by?

FYI, pipe sizes are based on OD. Pressure ratings and materials only vary
the ID.

Bernie

> From: "Mike Miller" <mikemilr at blackfoot.net>
> Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 20:17:49 -0700
> To: "200 20v List" <200q20v at audifans.com>
> Subject: Heater Control Valve Saga
> 
> I just got back from a trip from Montana to Las Vegas ( and return ~ 2k
> miles). On the 2nd day there (Saturday), after basically idling in traffic
> for over an hour in the 80 degree temp, the heater control valve let go -
> this after a new heater core, blower motor and flaps motor about 6 weeks
> ago. I ordered a new part from a local auto parts store on Sunday - they
> flew it in from Phoenix on Monday for a total cost of $29.99 - great service
> and price - if only it had been the correct part. Sunday I wallked about a
> mile to Home Depot (with old part in hand) and bought a 5 inch long
> galvanized threaded 1/2 inch nipple for under a buck and bridged the two
> hoses that connect to the heater control valve, leaving the electrical
> connection hanging and I just plugged the vacuum line. Heating and cooling
> still appeared to work fine. I ordered another valve from a different place
> on Monday night and received it Wed. morning. This time the correct part at
> a cost of $63 in an "official" Audi parts box. I thought Napa made an all
> metal valve, but they were unable to match anything up and lacking reliable
> Internet access, I was unable to contact the list for help.
> 
> My suggestion would be for people to carry a 1/2 inch dia (inside), 5 inch
> long piece of galvanized pipe (I think the threads help hold the hose on)
> along with a couple of hose clamps just in case. I also found it easier to
> use a 6mm wrench on the hose clamps vs. a screw driver - even a "stubby"
> didn't work as well as the small wrench. I lost about a gallon of coolant
> and the part whole replacement took maybe 20 minutes. PVC and CPVC didn't
> seem to fit as well as the galvanized pipe - I suspect due to the different
> OD thicknesses. I would also question the PVC/CPVC ability to handle the
> temperature as they seemed to max out around 80c.
> 
> mike
> back in MT to 8 inches of snow
> 
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