Date:         Sat, 25 Dec 1999 13:06:06 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark Keller <kelphoto@ISLANDNET.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Keller <kelphoto@ISLANDNET.COM>
Subject:      Finding Air leaks was Re: Engine Temperature in Winter
Comments: To: EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Eric,

 I use a piece of rubber hose, much like a stethiscope, to "listen" to the
variouse areas of my van.While someone else drives it.  I've found that leaks
occur behind the glove box, where the sheet metal skin covers the upper crash
beam, beneath the rubber step pad on the wheelhouse, and any of the gromments
behind the grill on the driver's side where the various cables and hoses enter
the cabin.  Also the antenna base is position over sheetmetal that opens
directely into the cabin.

Sincerely,

Mark Keller
91' Carat "Lazarus"


EMZ wrote:

> On Tue, 21 Dec 1999, Budd Premack wrote:
>
> > There may be air leaks in addition to possible engine temperature issues.
> >
> > Aging of the flap seals in the main air plenum (which are controlled by 3 of
> > the 4 dash air control levers) creates gaps which allows fresh (cold) air to
> > sneak past.  Since it is a huge pain to remove the entire heater/plenum
> > assembly and renew the flap seals, I have found it expedient to go for for
> > an easier solution .
> >
> > You can cover the main air intake (behind the upper grill) with cardboard
> > and duct tape.  This greatly reduces the amount of fresh (cold) air that
> > gets into the heater plenum.  In effect, you have just upgraded to a
> > recirculating interior air system.
> >
> > However, don't cover the small side air intakes as this will completely stop
> > all fresh air from entering the van.  This will allow too much moisture
> > (from breathing) to remain in the van, thus allowing condensation to form on
> > the cold windows.  Remove your cardboard air intake cover when it warms up
> > in the spring.
> >
> > Also check for air leaks from loose fresh air ducts under the dash.  These
> > are the ducts that supply fresh air to the outer dash vents.  Tighten the
> > ducts and secure the connections with duct tape (what else?).
> >
> > I did both of these easy fixes last winter and my van now stays warm as
> > toast, even when temps are well below 0 F.
> >
> > Budd Premack
> > 86 Syncro, 73 Super
> > Minneapolis, MN (Land of Sky Blue Waters)
>        Last summer I taped completely over the outer air intake, to
> improve the AC. After that driving at 60 MPH, I could feel air pouring in
> to  my van as if I missed the sides or something. Check over my work
> several time. I'm convinced that there must be somewhere else that
> Vanagon leak air.  Anyone have any ideas?
>                                            Eric