Heater bypass valve

[Uruk Hai]

The Mk2 I have now has no heater by-pass valve but according to the service book it was recalled for this modification so I'm guessing that between then and now someone has taken it back off. I know the recall was done because there was a problem with matrix's leaking due to the pressure of the coolant system, does anyone know if this could cause any problems at all ? The car runs fine and doesnt get too hot and the heater is considerably hotter than the MK2 16v I had which I'm guessing is why the valve was removed but I'm a little concerned about it. If anyone can shed a bit of light on this I'll be very gratefull, I have read the thread on taking the valve out but I just want to be sure this wasnt done to cover up any problems there might of been before I bought the car. Any help appreciated !

[Mk2Kezza]

It was probably removed because the bypass valves have a tendancy to stop working properly, therefore diverting the majority of hot water away from the matrix and your left with no or little warmth - not good in the winter.
Your right though about why they were put there on recall - some yank (apparently) got scalded from a split matrix.
However, i've removed mine and replaced them with a bit of pipe, just like they were originally and haven't had any problems to date - many others on here have done the same too.
It boils down to whether you want to pay £32 for new valves, about £35 fora MK3 matrix (which fits the Mk2, but is stronger so not likely to split) or stay as you are. Don't fix what isn't broken - yet )

[GTI EDITION (aka LTD)]

I used to do a lot of heater recall mods on the mk2s , Rados, Passats etc.
If the matrix was leaking we would fit a new strengthened mk3 one but if it wasn't leaking we would just do the bypass valve mod .
So maybe yours has had a new matrix already 

[Judderi]

Dont worry about it, just enjoy the warmth. 

[Si]

Didnt seem to dom anything when i replaced my bypass valve.

[Uruk Hai]

Thanks for the replies its good to hear of others who have removed the valve and suffered no ill effects, In light of this information I think I'll leave it as it is and get a Mk3 matrix if mine gives up the ghost. Hopefully it will be fine it has a VWAG fsh upto 115,000 so I think the old girls been well looked after so far, thanks again for all the feedback appreciate it especialy as I'm a newbie on here 

[shaunj]

Hi, had my car for 18 months now, heater never worked properly from when I bought it. Flushed system out, remove any airlocks, still no heat. Eventually following advise from this forum bypassed valves and replaced with copper pipes, still no heat. Finally changed matrix, loads of heat. Car has been running now for about 3 months with new matrix and valves bypassed with no apparent problems, also as mentioned by some of the other guys, the mk3 matrix is more durable.

[kkh120]

Is the Mk3 matrix a direct drop in replacement with no mods?

[Organisys]

^^^ Yes.

[rubjonny]

All the MK2 matrixes you can buy are actually MK3 parts now anyway