Factory but not factory?

[mashman]

Ok, any ideas on this just changed all radiator heater hoses, had to cut both heater hoses to put in what apears to be a factory gadjet to allow a small amount of coolant to bypass the heater. each hose has a small section removed and a spool piece put in which is connected with a small 8mm hose, all the hose clamps were the factory squeeze style clamps except the one used for these spool sections, but markings on one of the spools had made in germany on it. Was wondering if it was a factory modification for australian conditions or just a fix for something????

[wai]

Don't know if this is it, but engines can have a bypass hose that allows some circulation to heaters and radiators until the thermostat opens. Does it look like it is this?

[h100vw]

That was the VW resolution to blown heater cores. They were popping all over the place in the late 80s and 90s. The deal was if your core wasn't leaking you got valves. If your core blew, you got a replacement core fitted on warranty.

This was a factory recall affecting Passats, Jettas, Golfs and Corrados too IIRC.

The valves often failed after a couple of years and you get reduced flow into the heater core and cold extremities in winter.

My advice is not to take them out!!! If you are getting no hot air in the cabin, fit new valves. Much easier than doing the core.

Gavin

[mashman]

Cheers Guys, seemed to me that it was changed for a reason, good to know what and why, had cut the new hoses and put the pieces in anyway.

Thanks

[ausgolfer]

That was the VW resolution to blown heater cores. They were popping all over the place in the late 80s and 90s. The deal was if your core wasn't leaking you got valves. If your core blew, you got a replacement core fitted on warranty.

This was a factory recall affecting Passats, Jettas, Golfs and Corrados too IIRC.

The valves often failed after a couple of years and you get reduced flow into the heater core and cold extremities in winter.

My advice is not to take them out!!! If you are getting no hot air in the cabin, fit new valves. Much easier than doing the core.

Gavin

Hey Gavin, where do you get new valves? I've had cold extremities for 10 years of mk2 ownership.

[h100vw]

Just wasted 30 mins looking for the part numbers, FAILED. Not sure if you can still get them off VW. I looked on my ETKA6 but with no luck.

I bought some cheap off ebay before I came over here but not having had a MK2 since I haven't look for any since.

You could take them out and risk having to buy a core? Which is what I would try.

Saw a thread you started in 2005 about this, small world.

Gavin