Tonight I was able to have a good look for this heater bypass valve and didnt find one, either it has been removed - or this model which is a 97 wasn't fitted with one - more likely I'm losing the plot altogether
The mysterious selonid valve thingy turned out to be a water circ pump of sorts which was under the header bottle - doeasn't appear to be working with either the heater running on full blast ( which didnt really get warmer than a breath ) or the AC on.
The car was running for a good 30 mins and during which the revs were held at 3K and the header bottle topped off and watched for escaping exhaust gases. The car was held at 3K for a good 10mins after which the temp began to rise above 90 on the gauage. Didn't notice any difference in the level or any bubbles !
As the temp rose the water started to seep over the edge of the header bottle, it then slowly began to bubble and get warmer as the steam began to rise - the kettle was ready
Hopefully this indicates that the water is being boiled off in the block and the head is ok
Would love to know what this pump is and where the best place to shop for it and a water pump
- Ebay
Unable to post pic of pump !
Would also appreciate any advise or pointers from somebody who has done a water pump on a td , other than get somebody else to do it