VW changed the dash vent internal hookup during the 87 model year. The
earlier version always has fresh outside air available at the vents that
can be aimed at the front seats. The later version has all dash air pass
through the heater core first so if the heat is on all vents have only
hot air. I  prefer the earlier version so I can have warm toes but a
little cool air on my face to keep me more alert. Of course I live near
San Diego so my views may be suspect as far as heater requirements go.
About 80 degrees yesterday, today may be similar.

The details of how the 2 versions of the venting systems differ can be
found in past posts by me. Some versions of the heater box had
provisions for both setups with plugs glued into the unused vent
attachment holes. There were at least 4 different heater boxes used in
watercooled models from 82 on.

Mark

MilosKitchen wrote:

>Archives aren't working for me today.
>
>I own an '87 Syncro and a '91 Carat. I just discovered that the Carat's dash
>vents will blow whatever temperature air the heater is set to, which is kind
>of nice for cold hands actually; the Syncro just blows ambient (in this case
>cold air), which is what I normally expect. Both vans blow cold through the
>overhead side vents as normal.
>
>The Carat of course has the cabin air exhaust in the rear side window vents
>unlike the Syncro which have them in the doors, so I am guessing the dash
>vents air handling may be a part of the revised system.
>
>The Bentley seems mute on this point, unless I'm missing something, so...
>
>Is this a "feature" or a problem? If it's a problem, it's one I'd like to
>have on the Syncro!
>
>Thanks,
>Dave
>
>In SW PA, where it's not that warm outside now.
>--
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>
>
>