-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin J. Turinsky <turinsky@JUNO.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, May 21, 1998 14:50
Subject: Why does engine run cooler w/ heater on full-blast?

>Hi Volks:
>
>We've been having a great time zooming around with the Syncro up here in
>South Central Alaska.
>
>However, I've notice that I can get the coolant temp. needle to drop
>about a needle's width by cranking the heat to FULL. The needle will drop
>even a little further if I turn both fans on full. Why is this? Anyone
>have any ideas? I've never heard this topic come up on the List before. I
>like having a cool engine, but I getting roasted in the Westfalia! :-)
>
>TIA
>
>Kevin...turinsky@juno.com
>"Anchored, down in Anchorage---Alaska"
>61:10:42 North
>149:11:11 West
>Elevation: 101 feet
>
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     The heat source for your cabin heat is itself a sort of radiator not
too much unlike the radiator in your engine cooling system. The blowers that
circulate the cabin heat also act kind of like the fan that turns on and
blows through your radiator when your engine gets a little too hot. They
were not ment to help cool your engine but they do help a little.
     Keep it in mind if, for some reason, you are overheating and cannot
shut the engine down due to traffic or whatever. On a hot day your
passengers may cuss and mumble but the little extra cooling you get by
turning on the cabin heat all the way may make the difference between
getting home (or to a garage) and being stuck on the side of the road
somewhere.