Date:         Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:47:34 -0500
Reply-To:     Joe Federici <joefederici@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Joe Federici <joefederici@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Front heater core and heater blower replacement
In-Reply-To:  <216279AC-D886-45A5-AF52-CBBD2BEF97D0@igc.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

I read a post from Frank talking about covering the bearing on the
fan motor once the new one is installed so as it stays cleaner.
Wouldn't this cut down on cooling for the motor when it gets hot?

JFF


On Feb 11, 2008, at 4:37 PM, Stephen Edwards wrote:

Volks,

I'm working on these items on a 91 Vanagon GL, which happens to have
a Subie engine.  Symptoms are, no blower action, loss of coolant that
happens only when the front heater is in use (rear heater core is
never closed) and lately, steam on the windshield when the front
heater valve is open while the car is running!

I will also be putting some RAAMAudio sound deadening material in the
places I wouldn't normally be able to get at.

  have a video that I found on this list, poor video quality but
excellent explanations, showing how to remove the dash, however the
bloke that did it was working on an aircooled 81 Vanagon so it gives
no information about the watercooled heater system.

Here are my questions:

1) The chassis has about 178,000 miles on it but is generally in good
shape. In preparing to remove the dash I can already see that the
plastic heater box has been opened before, because it is held
together by metal clips not the original plastic welds.  What causes
these cores to give out?

2) Since those fan motors always seem to seize up eventually - should
I lubricate the new fan motor before installing it?

3) Are there any other helpful hints/pitfalls I should know about?

4) Finally, Bentley calls for the use of a D1 lubricant to ensure a
good fit when plugging the box back into the duct system.  Does
anyone know if there's an acceptable substitute to save my going to
the stealership?

Thanks in advance,

Steve, 91 GL with 95 Subaru 2.2, in Chicago.