Heater Valve - what a pain bending that pipe?

[KalamazooJohnny]

I just got it done. Is there an easier way to do that other then mutilating that pipe with a vise? I got my replacement valve on ok, and bent the pipe to fit through the holes and got the box bolted back on. Now what do I do to test properly? I saw mention of burping on another post. Won't normal engine running just circulate the coolant through? Or is it really necessary to get all the bubbles out? Oh, heres a fourth question. If the valve is off, there is no coolant circulating through the core right? Is that ok on the engine to stop it from circulating? And how come this new valve doesn't have a thermocouple like wire on it?

[Fiatmonkey]

You have to burp the car. Open your valve and FULLY fill your coolant system, making sure to get out all of the bubbles. If you leave the vavle closed and run the car it can trap an air pocket in the heater core. This air pocket can then shot out into the cylinder head (as it is higher than the core) and cause massive overheating failure. The original heater valve with the wire hasn't been around for years (like decades). I usually cut my heater tube shorter and pull the rubber lines through the firewall so I don't have to bend them (because I'm lazy). This method won't hurt anything or effect how the heater system operates so it's really up to the own.

BUT you must burp your car fully or you could have serious problems or at the least get stranded when the air pockets rockets into your cylinder head and blows out your head gasket.

The Monkey has spoken

[baltobernie]

1. Is there an easier way to do that other then mutilating that pipe with a vise?
2. Now what do I do to test properly?
3. Won't normal engine running just circulate the coolant through?
4. If the valve is off, there is no coolant circulating through the core right? Is that ok on the engine to stop it from circulating?

1. Yes. http://www.dcfiats.org/tech/Spider_heater-A.pdf
2. Follow Monkeys instructions above. You can also install a "flushing tee" at the highest point in your system to put coolant in, and allow air out. Air pockets manifest themselves by preventing the thermostat from opening. The bottom portion of the radiator will remain cool, therefore the fan won't come on, but the temp gauge will be pegged and engine damage may occur.
3. No. Coolant will circulate around air pockets.
4. Correct. Yes, but at least once a month, turn the heater control to full Hot position for a few minutes while driving to circulate and exchange coolant.

[azruss]

if you dont have a coolant tee, jack up the front of the car or park it on an incline so the top of the radiator is above the head.