In a message dated 98-03-11 17:14:18 EST, mjd@NTR.NET writes: << This morning when I started my '81 Vanagon L, I noticed a foul smelling smoke coming from under the vehicle. It appeared to be coming from a bulbous fixture just in front of the rear axle. It smells vaguely like burning rubber. I've noticed that this only happens when I turn on this small knob next to my regular heating controls. It has a small green light inside of it and it can be pushed in and turned so that it appears to behave like a timer of some sort. I know I probably sound like a gibbering idiot who never should have bought something I didn't fully understand, but I already love my bus and I'm determined to get it working properly so that I can take some trips I've been dreaming of for a long time. Any help appreciated, Joe Denison >>
Well, apparently you don't know your van has a gas heater. it is an Eberspacher BA6 model. it was an option on vw vans, mostly on the aircooled models. they need periodic tune-ups. NO NOT touch that green knob again until you have it looked at. the gas heater is NOT a part of the stock heating system, so you can still use your stock heat without a problem. when functioning properly, the gas heaters are very reliable, and produce a substantial amount of heat, over the stock heater box heat, in almost no time. it is basically a gasoline fired furnace, that is located in the middle of your heater tube, underneath the center of the van. it should be covered by a large cover, if it hasnt already been removed. it taps gas out of your gas tank, so it never runs out of fuel, unlike propane heaters. there are many safety switches/relays that accompany the gas heater, but it still needs to be serviced to ensure it is safe. chris |
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