Bizarre - Masters degree credit available for alternator cha...

[brad barton]

Thanks Pete and David.

I thought the block heater might scorch the oil if it was left on too long. I ran the pre-heat from Aqua-Hot just on AC. It got to 40last night just outside New Braunfels. I usually hit the Webasto before the morning showers to give the hot water a boost. BTW, the Walnut Canyon RV Park on 2763 is more for fifth wheels than 43' coaches. And the bathhouse was 'prison primitive' with the rope-activated spring-loaded non-adjustable temperature shower. And the well water smelled of sulphur. Nice folks but not the park for us.

Brad Barton 00LXiDFW bbartonwx@...

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To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: aeonix1@...
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:29:39 -0600
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Bizarre - Masters degree credit available for alternator cha...

Switch on the panel over the driver's side window: "Engine Preheat"
-- this activates the AquaHot engine coolant link to warm the
coolant. You must ALSO have the "hydronic heat" switch ON (located on
the main dashboard array, upper left quadrant on my coach). This
allows the AquaHot to fire up the diesel burner. If the hydronic heat
switch is off, the 2000 watt electrical element in the AquaHot may
provide a very modest bit of heating as might be needed in cool
rather than truly cold conditions. When the AquaHot burner is
operating, it is very effective and, depending on how cold it gets,
will warm the engine for startup in 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Switch in front of the sink (usually a red, lighted switch). This is
the engine block heater. It has a heating element installed on or in
the engine that directly heats the engine block (or possibly the oil
pan). [I haven't investigated exactly where it's located or the exact
type of installation on my 'Bird.] It's much slower than the "Engine
Preheat" -- usually it's advisable to turn it on at least 12 hours
before a planned startup. It may prove insufficient in really cold
weather (in my experience) but it's better than nothing. When I use
mine, I usually turn it on around dinner time the night before a
travel day.

Note that both engine heater systems MUST be turned off when the
engine is running, as either (or worse both together) can overwhelm
the cooling system causing overheating and possible engine damage if
they remain on.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
"aeonix1@mac.com"
On the road at Lockhart, Texas -- where it will be cold tonight, too...

On Nov 14, 2008, at 9:17 PM, brad barton wrote:

> David,
> Since I don't have an advanced degree, can you answer a question
> for me?
> What's the difference between the "engine pre-heat" switch over the
> driver's head and the lighted pre-heat switch in front of the
> sink? It's cold here in Texas tonight. I have Aqua-Hot on but I
> don't plan to run the Webasto.
> Brad
>
> Brad Barton 00LXiDFW "bbartonwx@hotmail.com"
>

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