You could also buy a 3-way ball valve and a "t". You could shift from on-service to bypass just by shifting the valve.

Grim

 

Been running it for 3 days now... I get 40 degree air out of my vents now ... today it was 112 in Phoenix.... 3 days ago before I installed valve, the vents blew 50 - 60 degree air.... HMMMMMMM I think I like the 40 better..

as others have stated... many cars come with this valve built in... my old toyota did... it worked off a cable... many newer cars work it off a vacumn....
I only use the heater on my truck like 4 days a year... so I can handle turning the valve a quarter turn 1 or twice a year... and not have to worry about splicing into my vacumn lines...

blocking heater doesnt hurt anything..... as stated many other cars have this from the factory... many FORDS in fact.. and no it isnt off the thermostat ... you are thinking of a 2 inch radiator hose.... this is a 3/4 heater hose...


and ALSO I picked up a actual heater hose control valve... its for a CAT but it is much more compact and has a barb like fitting on the end to help hold hoses on.... the home depot valve works great... would contiue to work great... the new CAT Valve is much nicer looking though....

 

That sounds like a great simple mod for you folks down south. I need the AC for about four or six weeks out of the year so I think I'll leave it stock. But good job and pics with your project. If global warming continues, I will definitely consider this.

 

that heater hose split on me about a month ago......cut it and slipped it onto the hose barb and filled up the coolant but it would be nice to legthen it up a bit so its not to tight so this mod is looking like a possiblitiy for me

 

for those with cooling complaints...and auto climate control

you you use the recirc? I've noticed my recirc works 1/2 the time if I restart the truck after running it with the recirc on. I turn the recirc "off", wait a few seconds, turn it back on and the air immediately gets colder. only happens about 1/2 the time. I think the recirc flapper is opening when I turn the truck off, and the computer thinks it's shut when the truck is restarted.


otherwise, my A/C blows freezingly cold. I set it to 71F and usually end up bumping to 72-73F within 10 minutes. Otherwise I start to lose feeling in my toes and fingers

 

All the large road tractors and heavy equipment run a shut off valve to eliminate the coolant flow to the heater core. I would still be concerned about a build up or oxidation in the core from lack of flow. Any thoughts on slightly leaving the valve open to maintain a small amount of flow to prevent any build up?

 

I think the main reason for not having the shut-off is that these trucks are supposed to be used for towing etc and need as much cooling for the motor as possible. When the coolant flows through the heater core, it adds cooling capacity. Great mod otherwise, especially in AZ and TX.

 

If yo dont wanna cut hoses then a quick cooling fix is to get window tint n windsheild tint cause even with a/c blowing at 50-60degrees it would feel good.. I'm here in FL and its low mid 90s and I own a black on black truck and yes the a/c sucks for about 5-10 mins but its all cooled down after that.. Also i dont know if having auto climiate control or manual would be better.. I have auto n never had a problem since my whole auto climiate was replaced back in 05

 

This mod makes sense. My Integra has a valve like this. But I would open the valve just a little bit to let small amounts of fluid flow. I think keeping the fluid moving is better then letting it sit idle for months.

Also, I've heard from many others then efans greatly increase the efficiency of the A/C.

 

The devils in the details bro....where did you get this CAT valve, how much was it and a part number would be cool to....thanks.

 

I wouldnt mind doing this mod. Not because my ac is not cool enough, but there are times I would just like the vents blowing. Any time I use the vents the air is heated from the damm heater core.

 

I think it's funny that guys from Ill, RI and Ontario are happy with their A/Cs.

 

http://www.toronto.net/WeatherHistory.aspx

In the first two weeks of June we've had plenty of days close to the 30 degree Celsius, and with the humidex factor, high 30's, close to 40. As summer approaches, we'll definitely hit plenty of high 30 days, and the odd 40 or over. That's over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and plenty hot for me! I also believe it's a good test for the AC.

 

The AC on my '05 supercrew is horrible. It was 106 today in SoCal and my AC was doing pretty much nothing. I think I'm going to go buy one of those rechargers for the coolent and if that doesn't make a big change I might try this mod.

 

So are there any mechanics that think this is a good idea, or is it gonna cost the OP beaucoup dinero?