Date:         Tue, 6 Nov 2001 08:52:05 -0500
Reply-To:     doug.alcock@HEWITT.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doug Alcock <doug.alcock@HEWITT.COM>
Subject:      Re: front defroster blower
Comments: To: Harvest <Harvest@FREDERICKMD.COM>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

>Hey everyone, I am new to the list and the new owner of a '90 Vanagon MV.
>Clearly this is a great list and an inspiring resource to the newbie such
>as myself.  My front blower motor seems to be locked up (blows fuse
>immediately if turned on) and the local VW gurus tell me it is a $600
>repair.  I don't doubt there honesty or expertise, but I was wondering if
.there are any alternate solutions.  Has anyone used a 12v defroster before?
> Any ideas would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance,
>
>Kevin

Hi Kevin,

     My front blower went before the onset of last winter and I still haven't
talked myself into pulling the dash. Keep in mind that you still have heat but
not a blower. The heat coming out of the vents will keep your windows defrosted
and the rear heater will keep the van warm. I crack my side vent window to
direct cold air over the windshield for the 5 or ten minutes until the engine is
warm. This helps keep me from fogging up until I have some heat moving. Of
course, this may not work in a colder climate than Toronto. Incidentally, I
tried one of those 12 volt defrosters when I had a (heatless) air-cooled '78. It
was useless and more effective when used as a window scraper.

Cheers,

Doug Alcock
'84 Westy "BlueBelle"
Toronto, Canada
http://www.torontovanagon.com