Rear van heater
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Bedford, Va
Not sure of the later models but in my 1994 E-150 Ford effectively Tee'd off the input flow to the front heater and Tee'd the return in the same fashion.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
For my installation there are several controls added along with vacuum-actuated valves that re-direct coolant flow in order to get maximum heat to the rear. When rear heat is commanded hot coolant flows first through the rear coil then to the front cabin heater, all through heavy duty automotive heater hose insulated with commercial A/C line materials.
To me running them through a Tee fitting doesn't allow any control, both coils essentially running all the time even when not needed. I do know if I'm trying to warm the van front and rear all at once it takes seemingly forever---my scheme allows for a quick warming of the front after which the rear unit is engaged.
Do keep in mind my truck is a cargo-only work van, a soft curtain dividing the front seating area from the rear which is in itself very helpful to creature comfort.
To me running them through a Tee fitting doesn't allow any control, both coils essentially running all the time even when not needed. I do know if I'm trying to warm the van front and rear all at once it takes seemingly forever---my scheme allows for a quick warming of the front after which the rear unit is engaged.
Do keep in mind my truck is a cargo-only work van, a soft curtain dividing the front seating area from the rear which is in itself very helpful to creature comfort.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Bedford, Va
To me running them through a Tee fitting doesn't allow any control, both coils essentially running all the time even when not needed. I do know if I'm trying to warm the van front and rear all at once it takes seemingly forever---my scheme allows for a quick warming of the front after which the rear unit is engaged.
.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Bedford, Va
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 246
Likes: 3
A minor thing with the vacuum operated coolant valve versus the blend door is that you can control amount of heat and you have heat (or cool) available at all "level" settings with a blend door. Our vans with aftermarket rear heat have the rear coolant vacuum valve open when you are set to Defrost, Floor, or Mix. If you go over to Vent, or any AC settings it closes. For the most part this makes sense, but it can be confusing when you are on Vent getting heat out the front but no heat in the rear. Or on a mild day when you have the front blower set on mix and a cool setting, but the rear is getting full on heat even though you're set in the blue up front.
We've only got one van with factory rear blower and fortunately I haven't ever had to really investigate it other than to change a blower motor. If it does run coolant to the heater core back there full time, we haven't noticed it to be any slower to heat up than the other vans. My guess is the thermostat is the main factor with warm-up time. This is Minnesota so the heater tends to get a pretty good workout.
That said, I wouldn't hesitate to do the aftermarket coolant valve thing. I just view the blend door approach as a little more refined.
We've only got one van with factory rear blower and fortunately I haven't ever had to really investigate it other than to change a blower motor. If it does run coolant to the heater core back there full time, we haven't noticed it to be any slower to heat up than the other vans. My guess is the thermostat is the main factor with warm-up time. This is Minnesota so the heater tends to get a pretty good workout.
That said, I wouldn't hesitate to do the aftermarket coolant valve thing. I just view the blend door approach as a little more refined.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
The Pro-Air unit does have a 3 speed blower and because my van is cargo/work only its typically set to high. Since I have two zones mostly divided one from another comfort settings are important only in the front---all factory features still fully functional.
I do use the factory spec'd 195* t'stat but honestly never really timed how long it takes for both zones to heat----probably too impatient and accustomed to my self-designed system by now.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jayro88
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
9
Dec 10, 2016 03:27 PM
rugtnit
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
5
Jan 6, 2015 06:26 AM
genscripter
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
1
May 4, 2014 07:50 PM
joe evans
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
4
Aug 16, 2004 08:04 PM