In a message dated 1/22/2003 9:45:57 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

> my front heater is making some terrible noises. A few weeks ago, when I
> >turned it on it would make just this loud squeak/squeal noise. It gets
> >louder the faster the setting I put it on.
> 

       You can attempt to lube it without removing anything inside.  The 
bearing of the fan motor which is making that noise is exposed to the 
incoming air.  That's the reason it goes kaput in the first place.  It is the 
first object in the heater that the dirty incoming air hits.  Anyways, try 
this and maybe you luck out.  Remove the upper grill, then remove the smaller 
air grille to the air intake track.  Turn on the heater to high speed if it 
will still run.  Then spray an aerosol lubricant in the air track so that it 
get sucked into the heater fan.  Do not use WD-40, it is not a lubricant !   
Not too much as you don't want to lubricate the entire van just that end 
bearing.  Now if that helps then your in luck for a little while anyways.  
Next thing is that every time you turn on the fan ALWAYS turn it on at high 
speed for a few minutes then reduce the speed to what you want.  Now for the 
next bit of advice.  If you eventually have to change that heater fan motor 
which is more than likely.  Before installing the new motor, make a cover for 
the end bearing from a plastic cap that will fit and silicon seal it in 
place.  This will prevent any dirt from the incoming air from fouling up that 
new bearing.  Good luck !

Cheers��

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm">BusFusion</A> a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 12 ~ 15, 2003
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
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Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
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