What is this part? Air intake boot?

[mcduckson]

1980 aircooled vanagon. What is this part and where can I get a new one? I think it's called an air intake elbow boot (after doing some research). Is it part of the heating/AC system or is it a necessary part of the engine system? Mine is shredded. I was thinking about just getting a hose replacement of some kind. I haven't found a rubber piece but the metal vent hose used for dryers seems to fit. Is there any reason I shouldn't use a metal one. Or is there any reason a rubber one would be better?
Thanks!
John

thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1309651.jpg[/img]

[MarkWard]

It connects the squirrel cage blower on the alternator to the snorkle. The squirrel cage is an assist to the heater. Perhaps they wanted to ensure no fumes from the engine compartment were drawn into the passenger compartment. Part number is 070 256 099 for the boot. Probably your idea of an alternate would work. Look at summit racing for silicone boots.
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[mcduckson]

Hi and thanks rsxsr!

So this boot is to assist the heater? I've been reading some other information that call this the boot a cold air intake for the alternator or something to cool the alternator. I see that it attaches directly to the body of the van from the alternator but I don't understand where it goes next.

I'm having a difficult time finding information on this part. The part number on the boot is 070 256 099.

Thanks

[danfromsyr]

that boot allows the heater supply fan on the Alternator to suck clean air from the side scoop and not draw in engine compartment fumes.

if your heat is bypassed and dumps out by the transmission (instead of blowing heat into the cabin) then it's not as necessary

the plastic duct/tube from the alt to the heaters IS necessary to help keep the exhaust from soaking into the heads and loosing a valve/seat.
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[MarkWard]

On an aircooled vanagon, there should be a squirrel cage blower bolted to the alternator pulley with a black plastic shroud around it. The boot attaches to the shroud. The shroud has two ducts that go to both heater boxes. Busses used and electric blower. It is possible that it has been discarded at some point during an alternator or engine change.

If you are not concerned about decent heat, you can run the engine and not worry too much. Here is what it should look like.

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[mcduckson]

Thank you for the explanation. I know understand it better. I found more info in the Grab Bag section of the John Muir book on how that system works and it looks like at some point in the near future I'll be working through checking that system.

....so that explains why I have no heat in my car. . . .

[MarkWard]

[torbot]

[dreaming_of_traveling]

I'm also looking for this now. No one had any luck?

[Wildthings]

The wire reinforced silicone duct from Aircraft Spruce should work. It is available in many sizes.

[Wasted youth]

Anyone have an updated source for these? I am not having any luck.

[wbailey2112]

I also had to find a replacement fresh air intake boot a while back and despite searching everywhere I could not find a new one anywhere (OEM or aftermarket) since most of the usual sources seem to stock more vanagon wasserboxer parts than air cooled. I ended up placing a want ad in the classified section here and bought a used one that was in better shape than mine.

Here's a NOS boot that's in the classifieds right now: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2364064

In the meantime I was able to use a large cable tie to pull the end together on the original that was split and it has held up just fine. Based on your photo though I don't think you have this option.

I think you'll find that the air quality inside the passenger compartment will be much better if you have this boot installed.
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'74 Thing
'83 Westfalia

[hartung105]

This boot is cracked pretty badly on my van too. When I first start driving with the heat on, I do get some engine smells but it dissipates as the engine bay starts to get more fresh air.

I've been having a hard time finding this part as well. Currently working on a fix where I glue the ripped parts together with rubber cement and covering the cracked areas with Permatex black silicone to hopefully prevent further tearing when I try to re-install it.

[Wildthings]

[hartung105]

[kenwilfy]

We actually have some of these boots as a new part in stock. Here is a link to it on our website:
https://www.vanagain.com/product/alternator-intake-boot-for-air-cooled-vanagon

If you have any questions let me know. If not just order through the site and we will get them on the way. They are a reproduction, not OEM so they are brand new rubber.
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Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
856-327-4936

[E1]

I just received an email from our favorite vendor with this part on it.

Edit: Haha, see post just above ^^^
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‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman