If sweet_willy has a 1954 Chevrolet truck (as indicated in his profile) and he has a GM heater, it is either a recirculating heater or an Air Flow (or Fresh Air) heater. The hot water will not flow through the Fresh Air heater unless the valve is open; however, the heated water will continuously circulate through the Recirculating Heater, heating the cab.

http://1954advance-design.com/Documents/Accessories/Booklet/Page1.jpg