gas heater

neckbelly · Post by **neckbelly** » Wed Oct 23, 2002 2:08 pm

I am wondering about the gas heater on the 411/12. Where is it? by gas do they actually mean Gasoline? I have that funni second exhaust pipe, so...where are the controls in the cockpit and what do I need to do to get it running again?

Where do I start with regards to assessing the condition of the system?

dphdo · Post by **dphdo** » Wed Oct 23, 2002 4:34 pm

A lot of questions here. First of all, the controls for the heater include two. From the Drivers seat, you should see a GREEN control knob, closest to the clock on the dashboard. Another control is the TEMP hand control (the one closest to the passenger seat). IF the heater is working, you need to pull the TEMP lever all the way UP until it stops, then turn the GREEN control knob on the dash clockwise. OK, now where the heater is actually located is this: If you climb under the rear of the car and look above the transmission, you will see it. It has four short "legs" coming out of each corner of it. These "legs" are where the heater hoses attach-two from the engines heater boxes, and two that run from the gas heater (and YES, it burns Gasoline) to heater channels in the body on either side of the car. In order to see if it's working, try turning it on, being mindful to smell for gasoline as the fuel hose often will dry out and crack or break. Start there and let us know how it goes.

Chris Hobbs · Post by **Chris Hobbs** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 8:05 pm

FYI here's a few more details for you to get your gas heater working safely. As the other poster mentioned, you have to have your center heat lever pulled firmly up, then the green knob turned clockwise to start the heater. If it works, the first obvious sign will be the auxiliary blower motor (back in the engine compartment) kicking in. If the blower motor doesn't kick in, there may be a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker from the various protection circuits.

First, though, put the car up on jackstands, get underneath, and trace the auxiliary gas lines for the heater. Make sure none are cracked--if they haven't been used in years they probably are. They are very tiny lines, like 3.5mm, that come off a T-fitting from the main gas line. First they go to a special aux. fuel pump just for the heater. Find that aux. fuel pump and make sure the PO hasn't disconnected it.

Have you got a Type 4 wagon? Then your heater fuses and circuit breaker are under the rear seat. Make sure they are all good and set properly. If you have a wagon, roll up the rear mat and in the cardboard liner underneath you will see some cutouts. The outboard ones are for the shock absorbers, the inboard ones are for access to the heater--one for the glow plug, one for an overheat sensor. Carefully pry up the one for the glow plug and unscrew the access cover. Inspect the glow plug. You will also get access to the upper end of the gas line there if you are replacing the gas line.

I have not owned a fastback model, so I cannot answer whether placement of the fuses and access to the glow plug are similarly located, if this is your model. Hope this helps some.

MchAlf · Post by **MchAlf** » Mon Oct 28, 2002 1:25 am

Hi' there...

The fastbacks have the similar location for the glow/spark plug.
The circuit breakers and fuses are located in the left side of the engine compartment.

Regardes.

MchAlf.

alsehendo · Post by **alsehendo** » Wed Oct 30, 2002 6:35 am

Do you have to remove the rear strut ro get it out? Who is a reputablr rebuilder/referbisher of VW gas heaters.

dphdo · Post by **dphdo** » Fri Nov 01, 2002 4:54 pm

To get these things out is indeed a challenge. According to the Clymer book, and the official VW lit., you do need to remove the drivers side wheel and shock absorber tower and its contents---whew, what a job! Personally (and this is probably JUST ME), I find it just as easy to remove the engine and transmission to remove and replace the unit; but it's up to you. Good luck! SMILES! Dale

alsehendo · Post by **alsehendo** » Mon Nov 04, 2002 1:48 pm

Thanks will have to wait till I put in a rebuild some day before it gets heat again.

dphdo · Post by **dphdo** » Mon Nov 04, 2002 4:51 pm

Before you give up. Most of the working parts are accessable (spelling?) without removing the unit, from either under the car, or just behind the back seat is an access panel you remove to reach the glow plug, and other assorted parts. I suggest getting a Clymer book for the 412 (often on e-bay), or the official VW documents on this beast. I feel confident you can fix it.

412E variant · Post by **412E variant** » Tue Nov 05, 2002 11:14 pm

For the gas heater problems try this site www.type4.org There are wiringdiagrams,fault finding etc. It might be some help..

alsehendo · Post by **alsehendo** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 6:54 am

Thanks I'll give docks a look see the car is going to get a 2.0 upgrade some time. I have a good crank and rods from a Bus for it.