On Fri, 5 Dec 2003, Eric Zeno wrote:

> I have been thinking of a water heater. Yep, A heater
> to heat the coolant, and re-wire the existing heater
> fans to run off of an auxillery battery. I think Some
> Canada Vanagons have per-heaters that like this,
> except they heat the engine mainly. I would install
> a valve to close off the engine and only heat the pass
> compartment. Ideas on this are welcome?

I was researching engine preheaters recently, so I actually know a little
about this. ;)

There are coolant heaters meant for pre-heating engines.  The most common
type (other than the kind that fit in a freeze plug) use a percolator type
action to circulate the coolant.  (i.e., the coolant boils in the heater's
reservoir, and the steam pressure forces hot coolant up out the top.)
Most of these are electric, which would make them a silly choice for
heating the inside of the van.  (Why not just use a regular electric space
heater?)  If you find a good propane one that fits a Vanagon, I'd love to
hear about it -- it'd be a great addition to my diesel Westy.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si -- For Sale
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon