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The OEM heater valves will eventually crack/break...our 1987 let one loose at around 260K miles...I dunno if there is/should be a recommended replacement time but I would think it would be no more than the plastic radiator neck on the radiator.
Advance auto had one for $10. Lifetime warranty. Looked cheesy plastic, but then I bought the volvo part (12mos/no mileage limit warranty) and it was cheesy plastic too. Where's the good old bulletproof metal ones? Next one that blows I'm buying the Advance Auto Parts $10 part.
As for that p/s reservoir...don't bang your elbow on it while changing out the heater valve...it breaks off really easy after 16 years, or maybe even after several years. Dead giveaway is the dealer has ample stocks of both the heater valve and the power steering reservoir!! Tells you the mfr EXPECTS a large number of failures and stocks accordingly.
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