Correction. The heaters are not terrible in a TDI. The TDI engine is a
terrible heater.  Once engine is fully warmed the heaters will melt
polyester argyle socks around your ankles.  Try blocking part of your
radiator for faster warm up.

2010/1/7, Edward Maglott <emaglott3@gmail.com>:
> True, my 02 Golf TDI heater is terrible.  I thought it was just
> because it was a diesel and doesn't produce as much waste heat.  (It
> has electric heaters in the coolant to help it get warmed up faster,
> for example.)  It's been about 15-20 degrees F on my morning commute
> lately.  About 5 miles into my route, more than 4 of that on
> Interstate, I coast for about a mile.  With the heater set on recirc
> and fan on 3, the temp gauge will drop from "normal" to the next
> lowest mark during that coast.  This makes me think the engine really
> isn't producing that much heat.    My '86 vanagon makes impressive
> heat and pretty fast.  Winter stealth camping wake up routine
> involves turning front heater off and idling engine until rear heater
> starts putting out heat.  Man that thing gets going in about 5
> minutes and pretty soon is putting out serious BTUs.  I usually can
> warm up the inside enough to shut the engine off and be warm enough
> to change clothes and get some hot water going for coffee or tea in
> relative comfort.
> Edward
>
> At 01:19 PM 1/7/2010, you wrote:
>>If watercooled VWs were ever known for their great heat, they aren't
>>now.  It's -25C today, and my 09
>>Jetta wagon takes 20-30 minutes to warm up.  Same with my former 03
>>Beetle.  I've never had a worse
>>car for heat.  The vanagon actually warms up faster (at least in
>>terms of blowing heat, not necessarily
>>warming the large cabin).
>>
>>I miss my gas heater.
>>
>>Jeff
>>
>> >
>> > From: Edward Maglott <emaglott3@GMAIL.COM>
>> > Date: 2010/01/07 Thu PM 12:05:07 CST
>> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> > Subject: Re: No heat at stoplights.
>> >
>> > I believe the Thermostat in closed position sends all flow to the heater
>> > cores.  That's why water cooled VWs have been famous for their great
>> > heat.
>> > Edward
>

--
Chris S.
Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"