Date:         Thu, 11 Nov 2004 19:22:52 -0500
Reply-To:     Eric Zeno <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Zeno <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject:      Re: winter cross country trip?
Comments: To: aircooled chris <aircooledchris@eucasafari.vendioweb.com>
In-Reply-To:  <4193E423.6080105@eucasafari.vendioweb.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

 sTARTING is not the problem with out this thermostat. It's warm
up time. In extremely cool conditions, AC motors will not even keep
themselves warm.  This is not good for the long term of the engine,
as motor oil only starts to lubricate at about 150 deg.  AC motor
have enough trouble as it is regulating temperature.  In extremly
cool temp. these motors will not idle if to cold.  This is why
most motors today preheat the intake air, etc.



            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          86-SS Syncro
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
                                   92-Jetta GWC
            www.fyi.net/~vw4x4/vw4x4.htm

On Thu, 11 Nov 2004, aircooled chris wrote:

> I only asked because I remembered seeing these weird optional items for
> the baywindow that would cover the engine rear air vents for winter
> driving.
>
> I wont cover the fresh air vents for the cabin, the heater gets hot
> really quick and I could always use a little combo of fresh air.
>
> As for the thermostat, im not sure I even have one right now, and pretty
> sure you can't get them anymore?
> thats the little accordian thingy that closes the flaps when cold to
> heat the engine, then opens them up once warm to help cool the motor?
>
> The default is to be open, so the default is not to overheat, but if the
> thermostat isnt there or not working properly, ill run into trouble
> getting started without the assistance of the flaps being closed?
>
> thanks!
>
> cr
>
>
> vw4x4@fyi.net wrote:
>
> > "Should I cover the air vents? "
> >   Are you referring to the front fresh air vents?   If
> > so only if they leak excessively.  Definitely do not cover
> > the engine air vents.  This would infact restrict the
> > amount of air into the heater boxes.  You should make sure your
> > engine thermostat is working and adjusted properly.
> >    I would check the top of the fuel tank for leaks.
> > If leaking fuel soaks into the heater ducting and into the
> > vehicle.  Only problem with points is they were out.
> > Cold has no effect on them. After long highway drives
> > you will find you do not need the gas heater.  Plenty of
> > heat/air flow at highway speeds.
> >                                      Eric
> >
> >
> > aircooled chris wrote:
> >
> >> Im looking at a drive from Minneapolis, MN to the west coast after the
> >> new year (prob Jan 2nd) and wondering about any specific winter problems
> >> I should be prepared for in trying this in an aircooled Vanagon (81) -
> >> outside of being cold myself anyway.
> >>
> >> Actually, I do have a BA6 underneath and the thing works like a charm
> >> right now that its only 35-40, not sure how well it will do when its
> >> colder than that.
> >>
> >> Should I cover the air vents?
> >>
> >> Its still points, no electronic ignition, any specific problems with
> >> that?
> >>
> >> Thanks for any tips, suggestions or other tomfoolery...
> >>
> >> airkooledchris
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>