<VV> Weird Heater modification thoughts

[Bill Hubbell]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ron" <ronh at owt.com>
Subject: Re: <VV> Weird Heater modification thoughts


> The big question is WHY?  The stock heater works fine without modification 
> providing it's kept up.


You will get no argument from me about the efficiency of the stock Direct 
Air heater.  However, the original poster had a specific project in mind 
when he asked the question - he wants an INTEGRATED HVAC system - something 
no Corvair ever had.  The Late models with Factory A/C came closest to the 
concept, but you still could select only heat or A/C, and the output was 
determined by which one you selected (all A/C went to the vents, all heat 
went to the floor or defroster).  It certainly would be nice to be able to 
select any of the outputs for either heat or A/C, and it would be nice to 
dehumidify the air going to the defroster at any time of the year.

Of course, the main "problem" with the Direct Air Heater is in the 2nd part 
of Ron's answer: "providing it's kept up".  The DAH requires a LOT of 
maintenance (mainly on the engine) to keep putting out not just hot, but 
CLEAN air -- even the slightest oil spill causes odors (and what Corvair 
driven regularly does not eventually leak some oil onto the shrouds 
somewhere??).  Failed or missing thermostats, removal of the lower shrouds 
(often advocated to improve cooling, especially with A/C), improper or 
missing engine perimeter seals, worn hoses, etc. all result in losses of 
heat to the passenger compartment.  Let's not even talk about the 
"Burst-o-Fuzz" option!

Odds are that most surviving Corvairs have a very poorly functioning heater 
due to the years of neglect, oil spills, etc.  While it is true that a 
properly functioning DAH can produce plenty of heat for the car, a poorly 
functioning one will not, and in some cases (Carbon monoxide leak), can even 
be dangerous.

I happen to like the DAH in my fully restored car, but it is 'not so hot" in 
the ones I have not done the restoration on.

Finally, let me just add that as good as the DAH seems to be here in 
Virginia Beach, when I lived up in Michigan it never seemed to get hot 
enough when the temperatures dipped into the teens and single digits.

So, if somebody wants to engineer a heater that works better, is safer, and 
integrates fully with A/C, I am willing to listen.

Bill Hubbell