I still think that having the correct temp thermostat helps greatly-  I even
believe that the OEM thermostats produce better heat than the aftermaket units of
the same temp ratings.  I have experienced this on a Jetta diesel.  It would heat
so hot you could burn your hands in front on the dash vents (from new on).  And
when I replaced the thermostat after it stuck (after market unit of same temp)  I
never had decent heat again, till I replaced for a second time, months later with
a VW one.  Back to normal once again! Nice and Roasty Toasty.  The other
suggestions everyone has made are good ones.  I do believe that the diesel vanagon
will heat well while being driven (at least as well as a gasser- I've had both)
But a gasser will warm up better idling in the driveway. A diesel is extremely
efficient and uses little fuel at idle.  A diesel needs to be driven to produce
heat, in excess to heat the cabin. Then It makes plenty of heat.  Given the
interior size-  I don't believe any Vanagon (gas or diesel) will be roasty toasty
if the outside temp is well below 0 degrees F.

And those are my findings.....................JH

"myjunkbox@rogers.com" wrote:

> > Excuse my unfamiliarity with the subject, but isn't alot of the heat
> > produced by a diesel engine used up in it's operation, leaving a relatively
> > scant amount to heat up the cavernous interior of a Vanagon?  Granted it's
> > much better than any of the air-cooled models (without aux heat), but not as
> > good as a gasoline fired engine.
> >
> > Dave B
>
> You are correct.    It is part of the Otto heat cycle.   It takes heat
> to burn the diesel fuel, but excess heat is generated in the process.
> A diesel engine's efficiancy can be measured by the amount of heat it
> produces vs the heat consumed in the process.
>
> Jay