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Topic: Dash heater rheostat  (Read 502 times) previous topic - next topic

Dash heater rheostat

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

Re: Dash heater rheostat

Reply #1 –
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. 
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: Dash heater rheostat

Reply #2 –
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!

Re: Dash heater rheostat

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Johnstons –
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.
Frank & Connie Williams
1999 U320 '36
Build: 5466
MC: 18335

Re: Dash heater rheostat

Reply #4 –
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!

Re: Dash heater rheostat

Reply #5 –
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
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean
 

Re: Dash heater rheostat

Reply #6 –
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
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197