My BA-6 is broken --- gotta get it fixed --- love the thing. I lived
in Victoria and camped the Island for 8 years so I know what climate
you're talking about. Those heaters put out very serious heat very
quickly. Nothing better to take the chill off before getting out of
your Westy bed on a frosty morning. Or warming the van up before you
go to bed at night. Fix it --- ou'll find you're extending your
camping season --- and in your case it could be year-round. :-)

Cheers,
Doug
(now in Toronto :-(    )

On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 19:49:30 -0800, Shawn Wright
<swright@zuiko.sls.bc.ca> wrote:
> I'm seeking opinions on the DA-6 heater option found on diesel Vanagons -
> my new '82 Westy has one, and I'm in the process of removing it for
> cleaning. (the fuel tank has leaked for year it seems, and has made a
> major mess under the whole bottom of van).
> The heater worked when I tried it, but soon after emitted a smell of diesel,
> so I turned it off. I'm wondering whether it is worth a lot of effort cleaning
> and re-installing, or should I just sell it off?
>
> I can't see using it much in our mild climate, but it would be nice for cold
> mornings when camping, and perhaps the odd winter trip. I do plan on
> adding a rear waterbox style heater also.
>
> For this who have one (or even a BA-6 gas heater), how well is it suited to
> this type of use? How reliable is it?
>
> Thanks.
>
> ps: my control know is broken off - anyone know where I can find one? I
> assume it is the same as BA-6 heater knob?
>
> --
> Shawn Wright
> I.T. Manager
> Shawnigan Lake School
>