I installed a new Four Seasons brand heater control valve from Rock Auto about 6 months ago. Now I notice that it has leaked some coolant from a seam. Should I plan on replacing the valve soon? Or should I keep an eye on it and see whether the leak gets worse?
Leaking heater valve - is this serious?
- Thread starter MikeB
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Buy OEM... it's higher than the rad. You will loose just a bit of fluid, just use a rag.
20 min job max.
20 min job max.
jtwopark
live, eat, sleep Land Cruiser!!!
OEM X2 just use aftermarket for SPARES!!
My advice, replace that thing. You don't want it blowing up while your wife is driving the cruiser around melting your engine.
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks. I'll replace it with OEM just so I don't need to worry about it.
I used a Four Seasons because the valve shuts off completely. The OEM valve allows a small amount of hot coolant to flow even when the lever is fully closed. I believe that Tools R Us was the first to notice and mention this difference. In Arizona, anything that helps lower air conditioning vent temperatures is appreciated.
I used a Four Seasons because the valve shuts off completely. The OEM valve allows a small amount of hot coolant to flow even when the lever is fully closed. I believe that Tools R Us was the first to notice and mention this difference. In Arizona, anything that helps lower air conditioning vent temperatures is appreciated.
ranma21
Supporting Vendor
Carry this in stock ready to ship if you need one =)
92-97 80 Series Air Intake Rubber Hose/Throttle Body Hose, Heater Valve
92-97 80 Series Air Intake Rubber Hose/Throttle Body Hose, Heater Valve
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2004
- Threads
- 274
- Messages
- 23,205
- Location
- Chandler, AZ
- Website
- www.tontorecreationalliance.org
Know of a bunch of those in use and that is the first defect that I have seen. Looks like the sonic weld holding the cap on has a slight leak. Rockauto is good about dealing with defects, I would send them that pic, but maybe not worth it?
Red coolant,,, really?
Red coolant,,, really?
Know of a bunch of those in use and that is the first defect that I have seen. Looks like the sonic weld holding the cap on has a slight leak. Rockauto is good about dealing with defects, I would send them that pic, but maybe not worth it?
Red coolant,,, really?
What's wrong with read coolant? Is it obsolete now? I'm aksing because I bought a few jugs and about to do my radiator and coolant flush.
What do you suggest using if I'm changing new radiator and flushing coolant?
There is nothing wrong with the red and you can still get it from Toyota. My 97 has had it for what looks like its entire life and I'm super impressed with how clean the system is.
As for the four seasons heater valve shutting all the way, I did not know that. That might explain why my air conditioner has gotten so much colder this last week.
LFD2037
TEXAS LEXUS!
Search for how to make the OEM unit close all the way. 5 minute, free job & it does make a difference!
- Thread starter
- #13
I agree that it's important to adjust the cable so that the valve lever is fully in the shut position when the dash control is set to Cold. But the issue is that OEM valves are observed not to seal 100%, even at full travel.
I just replaced my heater control valve with an OEM unit this past weekend, and I tested this theory of it allowing a small amount of water to bypass in the closed position. I tried to blow through the valve with my own breath and could not detect any bypass at all. I believe the OEM valve is fully closed in the closed position. Also, in my opinion, in this instance it is worth installing the OEM part. It is a critical part in a critical system. I would only use OEM for the heater control valve. It's akin to the silicone PHH - do it once and never again.
