Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Eddriver on January 21, 2024, 05:45:04 pm

Title: Dash heater rheostat
Post by: Eddriver on January 21, 2024, 05:45:04 pm
Does anyone know how to test the rheostat heater control for dashboard heat? Or what/where the replacement part is? I have replaced the thermotion blending valve and have heat flowing into the valve, but no heat out to the exchanger so I suspect it's the rheostat.

99 U320
Title: Re: Dash heater rheostat
Post by: Johnstons on January 21, 2024, 07:22:45 pm
I had our 2002 U320 at MOT for lack of heat.    As I recall, the mechanic got underneath in front of the step to watch the electric valve and he had me move the temperature dial.  I remember that the water valve moved very very  slowly so you need to give it time to see it move. 
Title: Re: Dash heater rheostat
Post by: Eddriver on January 22, 2024, 07:00:24 am
Thanks for the idea, but the thermotion valve has no external parts to view only a multi connector electric plug and four hose connections. Being it's a 25 year old coach with who knows how many modifications have been made! Even the dashboard air was rewired to run continuously. But that's why I love old Foretravels!
Title: Re: Dash heater rheostat
Post by: Phranko on January 22, 2024, 09:51:52 pm
I had our 2002 U320 at MOT for lack of heat.    As I recall, the mechanic got underneath in front of the step to watch the electric valve and he had me move the temperature dial.  I remember that the water valve moved very very  slowly so you need to give it time to see it move.

"give it time"

Didn't think our dash heat worked until it was left on for about 20 min or so, once the line running forward is warm
up it really works well.
Title: Re: Dash heater rheostat
Post by: Eddriver on January 23, 2024, 08:54:50 pm
After flushing the exchanger, found the potentiameter was bad. No parts store offered anything close. Foretravel parts informed me that it's obsolete and a workaround new system would cost over $300. Found on Amazon a manual brass valve for under $30. As needing heat is the exception rather than a necessity, I can open the valve in the genie compartment!
Title: Re: Dash heater rheostat
Post by: craneman on January 23, 2024, 09:02:17 pm
You could probably make this work with a little experimentation.

https://www.zoro.com/maradyne-heater-switch-kit-only-5670014/i/G8053641/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaign=shopping%20feed&utm_content=free%20google%20shopping%20clicks&campaignid=19979164495&productid=G8053641&v=&gad_source=1&acs_info=ZmluYWxfdXJsOiAiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuem9yby5jb20vbWFyYWR5bmUtaGVhdGVyLXN3aXRjaC1raXQtb25seS01NjcwMDE0L2kvRzgwNTM2NDEvIgo&gclid=CjwKCAiA5L2tBhBTEiwAdSxJX96iT2-FLR3h0y4IPAWzmaJKvW_cafwQUDhwQjbfly8_H8IAKpcBDRoCfmsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Title: Re: Dash heater rheostat
Post by: WS6_Keith on February 01, 2024, 02:54:41 pm
On my trip to Q this year, my dash heat also didn't work.  This is the first time since I've have the coach that it's had this issue, so I've got something to look into there.

If you're looking for parts for the dash system, call SGM who build that system that FT used.  Looks like their website is down, but their phone number still works:  440-255-1190