On my wifes 2001 grand caravan sport, w/ 3.3L, the heater control valve was leaking, so I removed it before I noticed there was an arrow on it, I suppose to show the coolant flow direction. Dones the arrow point toward the firewall or engine? Just want to make sure I put it back in right. Many thanks!

David

 

Heater control valve? On a 2001? Since when?

 

Of the two heater hose that go in the firewall, it is in the upper one, between the bend in the hose and where it runs down to meet the hard tubing pipe. It is also called a restrictor valve, but yeah, on a 2001. Don't tell me it's one of a kind.

 

OK, I won't

 

I don't see any heater water control valve on any diagrams? Could you post a picture of this part?

 

This is new to me too. Can't help with your question but does it look like this one? http://www.advanceautoparts.com/1/1/...art-74795.html

States "Heater control valve in-line restrictor" in description then states applicable to 01 caravan below.

 

Hmmm.. never had to replace one. I've seen them but I just thought it was a check valve or a flow damper. When you say heater control valve it takes me back to the 80s and 90s when we actually had them. And yes they broke all the time!! They would cut off coolant to the heater core by using a vacuum switch and bypass it back to the engine. This thing appears to not even come close to doing that. It probably is something that was installed to stop heater core "gurgling" noise.

 

That's the part in the link. It says the top hose is the return, so I have it with arrow facing motor. I hope that's right. It was leaking from where the neck is on one side of it. Thanks for the help.

 

I'm thinking the return hose returns fluid to the engine. I'm also thinking the arrow indicates the direction the fluid flows through the "restricter". Based on that I'm thinking the arrow should point towards the engine. I'm thinking that's just my tin pot logic too. So looks like we agree.

 

I m working on this very item right now and I can tell you that the arrow points away from the bend in the 90 degree tube (toward the 2-3 inch) tube. I just got back from the local dealership and they told me they couldn't get that part, but I would have to buy the entire line $142. Not going to happen. Looked up the part on-line for 12 bucks. salvage yard down the road is my friend also. I noticed on a 2006 there isn't a restrictor valve, just a solid piece of 5/8 hose.