Heater Valve Leaking

[Pyral]

I got back home and found dried coolant (I told my parents to drive it) on what I believe is the heater valve?

I don't know if it's the valve or the hose clamp, but I'm going to replace the old valve before it gets worse. Should I go OEM for this part? To change it will I have to partially drain the coolant?

 

[2TH4IST]

I'd go oem, as it has lasted that long already. It could also be the connecting hoses weaping. You can use hose clamps to clamp the hoses so coolant won't leak out, swap out the valve, when done take off the clamps and your in business. Burping the system is recommend after that though.

 

[96RedRunner]

I'd go OEM get the hoses and clamps while at it. Search by your VIN for correct part #
TOYOTA 4RUNNERVZN185L-GKPZKA - ELECTRICAL - HEATING AIR CONDITIONING WATER PIPING | Japan Parts EU

 

[jgue467]

I've gone thru 4 OEM heater valves in 200k of owning my '01.

Its got an original (never opened) AC - original rear brake seals - original alot of things yet that part fails and fails - weird.

Its the highest point on the cooling system - just remove it and replace - no draining needed.

 

[96RedRunner]

I've gone thru 4 OEM heater valves in 200k of owning my '01.

Its got an original (never opened) AC.

Fails maybe use related maybe, we live same climate 374k 18 yrs 96Red, 01 231k 7 yrs.
both original I function heat weekly old habit like E-brake.

Original AC be knocking on wood, Filter/dryer in the fubar stage of service life.
Desiccant cartridge breaks up complete system is toast, $25 part vs $1600 in 2012 dollars.
You're at the milage I'd change it.

 

[3bears]

I have not changed one, but have an oem on shelf and plan to do as preventative soon. I think I have read in other threads that there is another small plastic pipe near the valve that can be brittle and break as well when your doing the swap out of the valve

 

[GhostRing]

I have not changed one, but have an oem on shelf and plan to do as preventative soon. I think I have read in other threads that there is another small plastic pipe near the valve that can be brittle and break as well when your doing the swap out of the valve

Yes, be very careful pulling hoses off - even with the correct tool.
My hoses survived, but a chunk off the valve stayed in the firewall hose.
Glad I caught it before reassembly!

 

[jgue467]

Fails maybe use related maybe, we live same climate 374k 18 yrs 96Red, 01 231k 7 yrs.
both original I function heat weekly old habit like E-brake.

Original AC be knocking on wood, Filter/dryer in the fubar stage of service life.
Desiccant cartridge breaks up complete system is toast, $25 part vs $1600 in 2012 dollars.
You're at the milage I'd change it.

Very interesting. Of course in central texas I Need heat maybe once or twice in Nov-Dec and then some in Jan-feb and then all AC. So that may explain that.

So to replace dryer system has to be evacuated and recharged - correct?

It has always blown snowballs - best AC of any vehicle I've ever owned so I'd like to keep it that way - thanks for passing that info along!

 

[96RedRunner]

So to replace dryer system has to be evacuated and recharged - correct

Correct. Easy DIY job using equipment rented at parts store, time of year shop repair comes with guaranty.
Hi-jacking thread DM me for some finer diy details you want em.

 

[3bears]

Very interesting. Of course in central texas I Need heat maybe once or twice in Nov-Dec and then some in Jan-feb and then all AC. So that may explain that.

So to replace dryer system has to be evacuated and recharged - correct?

It has always blown snowballs - best AC of any vehicle I've ever owned so I'd like to keep it that way - thanks for passing that info along!

funny im just the opposite. I maybe needed ac once or twice a year....maybe a hot year for a week. Used so little that I disconnected the belt. its such a dry cold here that dont need the ac part to defrost windows.

 

[DJRodriguez88]

I think I have read in other threads that there is another small plastic pipe near the valve that can be brittle and break as well when your doing the swap out of the valve

happened to me >_<. the nipple on my valve broke off while driving and dumped my coolant.

So to replace dryer system has to be evacuated and recharged - correct?

Just unbolt the old one and pop in the new one then replace any coolant that may have dropped before or during the install, burp/bleed, and done.

 

[96RedRunner]

Just unbolt the old one and pop in the new one then replace any coolant that may have dropped before or during the install, burp/bleed, and done.

Thread hijack talking AC filter/drier Coolant in AC system not good idea.