Thread: Heater improvement ideas on Series III wanted

The Defender scoop would possibly work well in this application, tho other place that might be worth looking is at a marine chandler - see their choice of cabin top vents. However, a couple of points to consider:-

1. There are no wheel aperture flares or anything else sticking out, so anything you put there will increase the overall width of the vehicle. Be careful or it will catch on things, including pedestrians walking past. If it is suitably streamlined, such as some boat vents, it is unlikely to attract attention, but as it will protrude from the vehicle it is probably strictly speaking a modification that will require engineering certification in some states (or may be banned).

2. My (limited) experience of S3 heaters is that they provide adequate airflow - is it up to scratch in areas such as foreign material in the core or does the motor need bearing lubricated or dirty contacts/brushes fixing?

John

Thanks John, great ideas. I already have Defender mirrors fitted so should be able to keep it pedestrian friendly if under the width of the LHS mirror. Heater controls a bit iffy with a 'gate valve/stop cock' fitted as control on top of heater box. Heater motor works fine.
Chris

chris the biggest problem with s111 heater seems to be the size of the heater core, to get even luke warm air I have to turn the fan to slow even when engine temp is at half on the gauge I have put an electric water pump just to increase water flow to the heater it made a small difference if you come up with anything that works I,ll be watching

Hi, what you guys need is a bit more airflow over the heater core, I have made a small propellor blade that (by luck) fits snugly over the motor shaft that you can see in the intake. It took 10min to make and has improved airflow by about 100%. If I could work out how to post photos than I would show you, Look back here tomorrow and you may see it. we get well below zero here and this very simple mod has made alot of difference.

Jack

Originally Posted by jacknz

Hi, what you guys need is a bit more airflow over the heater core, I have made a small propellor blade that (by luck) fits snugly over the motor shaft that you can see in the intake. It took 10min to make and has improved airflow by about 100%. If I could work out how to post photos than I would show you, Look back here tomorrow and you may see it. we get well below zero here and this very simple mod has made alot of difference.

Jack

Yep living in Taupo you do need a bloody good heater!! I don't miss driving to work on the cold frosty mornings in the old 2a which had no heater It was like driving to work in a freezer!!

How is Taupo?.....Cold?

Has all the S3s got a little water tap under the bonnet to open the water to a heater core? I know nothing of the heater but have a little tap there under the bonnet? is there a fan....I have to work this out yet. W.

If it has a heater it will be on the passenger firewall in the engine bay and the fan and air intake are on the pass side mudguard just in front of the door

Taupo's fine, we have a view of the lake and after 40odd years of living in this great little town we still love it. And yes, my heater mod does make a huge difference, tho, sometimes its alot more comfortable taking the Disco! Where did you live/work?, I'm at the Fletcher particle board plant next to the sawmill on Centennial drive.

Regards, Jack