This might be "the" problem, but might just be one of several problems; and I am no auto mechanic so don't take my word on anything.

If you can get me the entire designator code on the part I can help you find the replacement if that is the sort of help you are
looking for.

Most diodes are given the code: 1N-something

ONE - N - some number.

This one could be 1N400, or 1N1400 ???

I can not see the entire code from your photo. If it has such a code it is extremely likely a replacement part can be found.

Use a pair of needle nose pliers (since it is also likely bad already and may totally split in half) and get the full code.

In fact, I will probably end up recommending a search on www.mouser.com, or www.allelectronics.com or any store convenient to you
that sells small electronic components, once you have the entire code.

Leslie
Lhs_emf@pacbell.net if you want to email me directly

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Neil
Sent: Saturday, October 06, 2007 1:50 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Auxiliary Heater Control problem. Name that diode!

Hello everyone...

It's getting a little cold here in Canada, so I'm
thinking it's time to get my aux heater going again.
It used to work so nicely.

Anyway, there may be other problems that I'll have to
sort out later, but I have found a diode in the
timer/temperature control that seems to have split in
half.  Hoping this is the only problem?  We'll see.
It took a long time to find this problem.  I've known
diodes to act as fuses at times, so I'm hoping that's
what happened?  An odd spike?

Can anyone help me identify the diode?  Trying to
figure out a replacement.   Photos of the culprit:

http://golddollar.com/vanagon/diode.html

I have the diesel version, but the timer/control is
the same part number for gas and diesel versions.

Please email me directly, as I am traveling now and
don't have a regular internet connection, making
sorting through the list a bit difficult.

Thanks!
-Neil
1982 Diesel Westy 1.6NA
Moving slowly and coldly west in Canada.
Currently in Thunder Bay.