Hi All, Just a reminder for those who have joined since the type-2 split. Lots of heater info is avail. in older archives, for both BN-4 and BA-6(newer) models. And likely much more in Type-2 list archives. Eberspacher/Espar, the makers, no longer support these two models, but have literature/service bulletins avail. Overload them with requests and you may kill a valuable resource. They do not have much in parts, if any, for either heater, particularly the older BN-4. Mr. Mirvis already has a well established reputation, let's leave it at that. There is also JBHeaters, in Castleton, Colorado?? for gasheater work. Someone please correct me if that is incorrect. Both Dan Houg, myself, and many others have rebuilt the older BN-4s, they sell DOA for $25/free around here, and can often be revived with TLC. Bentley manual troubleshoots well the BA-6 (75-91 vans) There are some simple tricks to getting them working again, but if you do need new parts, dig deep, they cost LOTS of $$. Buying 2-3 dead heaters is a good idea. Don't be afraid to buy a rusty one, the outer case is tin, comes right off for sandblast/cleanup, innards are all stainless steel, no probs. Eyeball the wiring/relays for decent appearance. Try to find the newer BN-4 models with fuel 'dosing' pump and NOT pump+regulator style. Absolutely avoid the Stewart-Warner 'BN-4' versions (SouthWind?) that were installed in early busses. These have lousy safety shut offs and are the heaters that gave all gas heaters their bad reputation. Lastly, Webasto makes gas/diesel heaters for hot air (Thermo-Top). Good, modern, solid state controls, thermostats/timers etc. But figure on $1000 to get it done properly. Considering prices of $550 for refurbed BN-4s I've seen for sale, this is not a bad deal. They also sell a water heater, factory option in Canadian Syncros, $2000+. Webasto is more into semi-truck installations, VW size is smallest. bye, Tim |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.