Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Air cooled stock gas heater/exhaust heater questions (longish)
From:neil
Date:Fri, 4 Aug 2006 17:56:22 -0400

Hi all.

I figure there aren't too many AC owners on this site,
but hopefully some experienced hands can help.

In searching archives I have confirmed what I want to
do; remove the gas heater. It had been taken out of
commission by PO, so not sure if it works. Parts seem
hard to get too, so all in all I don't feel it's worth
my time to repair if FUBAR'd. Plus when I convert to a
subie or vw water cooled, I will need the room and
will have real heat. So.....

I'm pretty clear as to what needs to be done to remove
the gas heater. But, is there anything in particular
(re: capping fuel lines/electrical or other procedure)
I should do when removing the gas heater?

Re: stock heater.

It is in rough shape. The heater control flap (boxes?)
are looking ragged. One flap is wired open so some
heat is always coming into cab. I don't want to take
risk of "gassing" myself, and since I have a 12V
heater in cab, (and will convert to subie/vw WC) I
plan on taking out the ducting etc. when removing gas
heater. So......

I don't want to simply cap openings on heat
exchangers, nor do I want to leave them open venting
toward front of the vehicle. My loosely thought out
plan is to make some ducting to take heat blowing from
heat exchanger boxes and vent toward rear of vehicle.
(seems more cost effective than investing in straight
exhaust pipes) I'm pretty sure this will help keep the
engine cooler on these toasty days. Regardless, am I
wasting my time to do this?  Has anyone tried this?

Sorry for longish post, but hopefully there are some
AC "hold-outs" that can post some info.

Thanks for any help!

Neil Nicholson.
1981 air cooled Westfalia.
Cheap-o web site:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/tubanick/welcomewesty.html

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com