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Date:         Tue, 6 Jul 1999 17:23:13 -0400
Reply-To:     Bulley <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bulley <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Subject:      turning air-cooled Heater Off
Comments: To: "fwr@trafficking.net" <fwr@trafficking.net>, bus <type2@type2.com>

Frank,

Since you are already familiar with the flapper valves, you are aware of the source of the heat. Cool air passes through the exhaust heat exchangers, up through the tin tubes and into the flapper valves, where it is exhausted to the outside when the heater is off, or allowed to the noise dampers (those black accordion looking things). One of two things has happened.

A) your heater cables are out of adjustment. -move the heater lever fully OFF, but adjust the lever to direct heat to the defrost. Start the motor. Rev the motor to about 2,000 and put your hand over the defrost vents. Any heat? If No, it is just hot in Arkansas. If yes, move to step two.

Step 2 with the motor still revving and your hand still on the defrost, move the heater lever to fully ON. Was there a big change in air flow? If no, your flappers are stuck. If yes, your cables are out of adjustment.

If the flappers are stuck, it is usually a sign that it is time to take them down, remove the rust flakes, soak them in Naval Jelly, wire brush them, paint them with 10 coats of Barbecue paint, oil the pivots, and put them back on. Of course, this is good PM as well. If they are out of adjustment, simply move the heater lever to completely OFF, and then roll under the van. Locate the cable that leads to the wee lever on each valve. Notice the little nut you can loosen to adjust the cable? Well, go to it! Make sure the valve is completely closed, and will also fully open when the lever on the dash is fully ON.

If all else fails, and you are at your wits end, Remove the flappers altogether for the summer, and cap off the noise dampers with duct tape. DO NOT cap off the tin tubes leading up from the heat exchangers, as they need to allow the heat to escape. Be aware that if your flappers are off, any water you drive through will be splashing onto you expensive heat exchangers through the open tin tubes, contributing to their demise.

Cheers,

G. Matthew Bulley Bulley-Hewlett & Associates www.bulley-hewlett.com Cary, NC USA 888.468.4880 tollfree


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