rear heater delete question (vanaru conversion)

[physast]

OK. I tried to search and figure this out on my own, but I am still not 100% on the correct way to delete the rear heater core in my subaru conversion. I see threads mentioning issues that could arise from doing this. So to be on the safe side I thought I would ask here. The Subaru conversion was done by Vanaru around 2008 if that helps at all.

Is there any reason why using the gowesty style rear heater delete kit would not work? This would be replacing the Ts with Straights and eliminating the rear heater core.
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1967 L633 VW beetle (currently being restored...slowly)
1991 Orly Blue Vanaru 2.5L

[4Gears4Tires]

I can't think of a reason why having a Subaru conversion would affect anything with removing the rear heater.
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[mdub]

Some Subaru cooling configurations have the thermostat in the heater circuit, closing the valve to both heater cores would prevent the thermostat from opening, and you'll overheat. You'll need to know how your setup is plumbed before you could safely cap off the rear heater core.

Here's a good place to do some reading:

http://subaruvanagon.com/tom/Cooling%20System.htm
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'86 Syncro / Reimo Poptop / EJ22

[skills@eurocarsplus]

subaru's must have a feedback loop for the tstat to work properly. if you're just getting rid of the rear heater core splice the lines together.

i have no idea how your cooling system is laid out, but if it's working good now just hook the lines together and you should be fine
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[physast]

I will have to look at the setup and see if I can figure out the cooling design. I have never had an issue with the cooling system. I am doing a flush this year and that is why I'm thinking about removing the rear heater. I have owned the van for over 5 years and have never used the rear heater.
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1967 L633 VW beetle (currently being restored...slowly)
1991 Orly Blue Vanaru 2.5L

[dobryan]

[physast]

[dobryan]

[fxr]

I doubt *very* much that the conversion relied on the rear heater core remaining open. Shame on anyone who did that!
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Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300

[dobryan]

[valvecovergasket]

[AndyBees]

With my TDI conversion, I have the rear heater hoses capped off. I've been driving it that way from day one.

The only thing I notice is that during the cold months, when I am using the front heater, the temp gauges for the engine go up only slightly. I have more than one gauge as well as the OE gauge in the Jetta Cluster.

Anyway, the rationale for the increased engine temp is as mentioned previously. The return coolant from the front heater is somewhat "cooler" which results in the T-stat staying closed or at least only opening slightly. There is return "hot" coolant from the oil cooler and the circulation through the expansion tank that tends to off-set the cooler coolant coming from the return from the front heater.
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'84 Vanagon Tin-top, ALH TDI. 1989 Tin-top
1983 Air-cool, 225k miles, 180k miles mine. Seven trips to Alaska from 1986 thru 2003.

[mdub]

[AndyBees]

Nothing like adding an extra load to the AC .......LOL
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'84 Vanagon Tin-top, ALH TDI. 1989 Tin-top
1983 Air-cool, 225k miles, 180k miles mine. Seven trips to Alaska from 1986 thru 2003.

[mdub]

[Hatterasker]

Figured I’d ask here since it is a similar question and the answer might help the OP, too. I am deleting the rear heater, as well, in my 1990 2.1. The long hoses to and from the engine to the front heater are due to be replaced.

1. Any reason to NOT just run two long single hoses instead of splicing again at the place of the former (now deleted) t-split for the deleted rear heater core?

2. Also, what’re y’all’s recommendations on what kind of hoses I should use?
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1990 Vanagon Westfalia

[4Gears4Tires]

It would be better to use 1 long hose, less joints, less failure points. Use coolant line that is the right diameter. You can get what your FLAPs has in stock or order fancier line.
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[Hatterasker]

[wesitarz]

Look for a hot coolant feedback loop to the heater return hose or a sandwich type adapter at the thermostat connected to hot coolant return or there may be an extra nipple on the thermostat housing acting as a hot return to the thermostat.

[physast]