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'73 heater bypass valves?

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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 11:09 AM
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Default '73 heater bypass valves?

Recently purchased a '73 and noticed there were standard plumbing type "shutoff" valves midway on the heater hose coming from the water pump, and the other off the intake manifold. I realize these were likely placed there to keep heat away from the passenger compartment, but can I shut these both to off? And if so, will water continue to circulate from engine to radiator with these two hoses blocked off?

To be clear, there is no bypass between these two valves that would allow the water to bypass the heater core. These two valves are independent of each other.

As always....thanks!
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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 11:13 AM
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Other than the lack of heat to the heater core, this will not have any effect on cooling. You may find if you open the valve that your heater core leaks. This is very common and also a very unpleasant repair.
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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 11:18 AM
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Great. Thanks. Both valve levers are turned in-line with the hose, so I assume/hope they are already open... will try to close and see what happens.
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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Txslugger73
Great. Thanks. Both valve levers are turned in-line with the hose, so I assume/hope they are already open... will try to close and see what happens.
If coolant is flowing through the core now, then you're good to go. Leave the valves in place for driving when it gets warm.
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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 01:27 PM
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Either valve will shut of the flow through the heater. Both are good if you have a heater core leak!
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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 02:10 PM
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Slugger,..where in Ft. Worth? Grew up there. Went to Southwest High, a long time ago. Live in Leander now, near Austin.
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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 02:13 PM
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west side...rivercrest area. I went to HS in Dallas but my wife is born and raised here in FTW..she went to Paschal.
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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 02:39 PM
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Even with just one side open.. the heater core will eventually get some heat.. close them both. Napa sells a heater valve (i think for an Explorer) that will not only close both sides.. but allows coolant flow as a bypass between hoses when closed.

Here is the napa part number # BK 6601294

Hey.. I'm in Leander as well..
-Frank
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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 02:51 PM
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sounds good. I will check with NAPA about the valve. Prefer water is re-routed rather than blocked.
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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 03:06 PM
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Alternatively you can cap off the heater line ports on the water pump and eliminate the hoses altogether. (I'm in FL, wtf do I need a heater core for. ) You can get the brass plugs at Lowes.
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Old Mar 30, 2010 | 03:25 PM
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Good point....and a cleaner look. Although I am in Texas, after this past winter I better keep the heat as an option.
Thanks
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