Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: hdff on February 08, 2018, 07:06:06 pm

Title: Dash heat question
Post by: hdff on February 08, 2018, 07:06:06 pm
When I got my coach the dash heater would not work. I could turn the switch to dash or defrost and the air flow would switch to the correct location but when I switched the switch to heater/floor the air would continue to come out the dash. Also the air would not get hot so I assume there is a switch somewhere allowing the hot water to circulate thru the heater core. Today I replaced the vacuum generator behind the step with an electric pump. On a check of things now the dash air will switch to all 3 locations, dash,floor or defrost, so apparently the leaking vacuum generator was not pulling enough vacuum to work everything properly. My question is is there a vacuum operated control valve on the heater water lines that possibly might work now that there is enough vacuum?? I did not have enough time today when I hooked up the vacuum pump to run the big motor long enough to get the water hot to see if I had dash heat. It would be great if it does it would be one more little thing marked off my to do list.......
Title: Re: Dash heat question
Post by: Super8mm on February 08, 2018, 09:42:06 pm
I have about the same problem, mine switches between dash, def, and floor but I get no heat or cold air  :o
Title: Re: Dash heat question
Post by: Old phart phred on February 08, 2018, 11:18:36 pm
If you have a motor aid domestic hot water heater you may have to close a valve to divert engine water to the dash heating coil.
Title: Re: Dash heat question
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on February 09, 2018, 12:04:02 am
Don't know how the newer coaches work, but I think on our GV, the water control valve is mechanical.  I've never actually seen the valve, but that's how it "feels" to me.  We do have the motor aid water heater, and the bypass valve at the water heater is always "open".  Even so, our dash heater will cook a pot roast on the full hot setting.  I actually have a hard time reducing the temperature to a comfortable (for us) level.  I have to keep pushing the temp lever in the "cooler" direction until (it feels like) I just barely have the water control valve open.  At that point, the air coming out the vents is warm, but not scalding hot.
Title: Re: Dash heat question
Post by: FourTravelers on February 09, 2018, 06:59:31 am
On our 95 it's a cable operated valve located next to the dash AC evaporator.
Shaped like a "H" with 4 coolant lines running to and from it.
Title: Re: Dash heat question
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on February 09, 2018, 09:35:02 am
So, IF the water control valve is indeed still mechanical (in the newer coaches), then vacuum "power" may only be used to position the air flow control "doors".  This is the way many auto and truck heaters operated in the "old days".

Run your fan on high speed and try all the air flow positions (dash, dash+floor, floor, and defrost) to see if the air comes out the proper outlet.  If it does, then your vacuum (or possibly electric) flapper motors are functioning properly.

With the big engine running and at operating temp, if you don't get dash heat when the heater temp control is moved to "HOT", then the water control valve must be inoperative, or the mechanical control cable (if there is one) disconnected.

Further speculation/investigation/info:

Ford HVAC control on dash (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=28470).

Heater "H" Valve (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=5328)

2000 U320 Dash Heater Blower Replacement Part# 26-19904 (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=32795)

99' U270 Heater core replacement Saga (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=28929).

Technical resource:  Evans Tempcon > Owners Resources (http://www.evanstempcon.com/owners.php)
Title: Re: Dash heat question
Post by: DavidS on February 09, 2018, 10:29:34 am
I believe in my 02 the valve is electric. If you lift the front Gennie door it will be on the upper left side under the windshield. Mine hasn't worked since I bought it.. haven't really looked at it yet but I will in the future..
Title: Re: Dash heat question
Post by: Beerslayer_24 on February 09, 2018, 11:05:44 am
My 2000 320 heater valve stopped working and then began leaking so I changed it out. The valve I replaced was an Eaton 354-69494. I replaced it with a valve from TruckAC.com, 625-4314. It is in the approximate location described earlier. Simply follow your heater hoses up into that area. Not all that difficult to change out and it's great to have that dash heat to keep your feet and legs warm.

The valve is electric.

Cheers!
Bob