[jvandyke]

Originally Posted by opelbits jvandyke- If you have all of this stuff apart, have you considered having the heater core cleaned by a shop? I had mine done a few years ago and it was pretty clogged, same muck that siezed the heater control valve. Afterwards, the heater put out much more heat. Even if it seems "okay", now would be the time to do it. It cost me less than $40.

I took it to a shop, he tested for leaks, said "it's a keeper", maybe not as good as a cleaning but at least I have some confidence I won't have to go back in there after a leak right away.