If it was easy to fix I would have already done it. Here is
a recent post from the type two list if you want to block
off those vents.

Thanks,
Chris

Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2002 13:45:10 -0700
From: David Schwarze <schwarze@mail.ev1.net>
Subject: [T2] Helpful Hint - Blocking type4 heater ducts
To: type2@type2.com

My bus leaks a little oil.  Right onto the heat exchangers.
This makes the heat smell bad, so I have stopped using the
heat.  No problem usually, but lately I have been getting
some fumes coming from the heater vents even when the heat
is completely off.  I thought one of the flapper boxes might
not be completely closed, so I removed both of the accordian
tubes just to be sure none of that smelly air would make it
into the cab.  This didn't work either - there was still a
small amount of fumes coming up through the defroster
vents.  I guess the cab is lower pressure than under the bus.

I decided to cap the metal heater ducts where they would
connect to the front of the accordian tubes.  I went to Home
Depot and got some 2" diameter black rubber caps with
integrated hose clamps (available in various diameters) for
$3 each.  They are made for temporarily capping sewer and
other PVC type pipes.  The caps fit perfectly and no more
bad heater smell.  I won't need the heat again for at least
six months and hopefully by that time I will have attended
to the oil leaks.

-David

---- Original message ----
>Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 17:26:40 -0400
>From: "Russell, William" <william.russell@UW-INC.COM>
>Subject: Re: Stinky Heat
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>
>I thought that air-cooled VW's ALWAYS leak oil.  Is it
really possible
>to stop it?
>
>You do make a good point though.  It might have been oil I
smelt, not
>exhaust.
>
>\/\/i!!y
>1980 Westy "Jazzy"
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List
[mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
>Of 80 Westy Pokey
>Sent: May 14, 2002 17:17
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Stinky Heat
>
>This is happening to me too. My best guess is that its an
>oil leak that is dripping onto the heat exchangers Find the
>leak and fix your problem.
>
>Thanks,
>Chris
>
>---- Original message ----
>>Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 17:07:56 -0400
>>From: "Russell, William" <william.russell@UW-INC.COM>
>>Subject: Stinky Heat
>>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>
>>I have a 1980 Westy and on my recently completed trip
>across Canada, I
>>noticed that the 'exhaust' smell that fills the interior
>seems to be
>>coming from the hot air vents that blow against the
>windshield and side
>>windows.  We blocked these vents off with books and the
>smell seemed to
>>go away.  Any ideas?  I'm new to this whole being a
>mechanic thing but
>>would the heat exchanger maybe have anything to do with
>this?
>>
>>
>>
>>\/\/i!!y
>>
>>1980 Westy "Jazzy"
>>
>>(Just got back into Hamilton from Vancouver - 4500kms later
>(3000mi))