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Heiferman Samba Member

Joined: February 28, 2024 Posts: 205 Location: Georgia, USA
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2024 9:32 am Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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After diligent searching I found what I was looking for. Apparently I overlooked this:
I hope I did not muddle this very useful thread up too badly. _________________ - 1973 Thing, some LandCruisers and an old Ambulance |
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Heiferman Samba Member

Joined: February 28, 2024 Posts: 205 Location: Georgia, USA
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Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2024 6:08 pm Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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I have some questions about wiring my timer switch to the BN-4.
I am looking at these two schematics:
This one is super hard to see (anyone have a better version?)
And this is my switch. Based on what I see I cam sort of guessing on the wiring. I labeled what I though the should be based on what I can see in the schematics.
I can not see what color 53b is or where it goes in the one schematic and there is no "X" in either. I am not clear on the brown wires either. I have a pig tail with a plug on it with only two reds and a gray as well as a combo fuel tank wire.
Coming out of the heater in its connection are gray, green red and brown and white. I have not been able to see brown and white in the pig tail in any of the schematics.
Can anyone clarify what I am looking at here?
Edit: slowly figuring this out. 58b is in fact the gray and red wire from the headlight switch to light the timer knob. The two reds are clearly power to the fusepanel (large wire) and terminal 30 at the switch. X is what the schematics call 15. It is a black wire that piggy backs the red and black wire from X on the headlight switch.
K (according to the BN-4 schematic) is a ground from the switch to the chassis. But the second schematic with the more complicated switch appears to show 31 is a ground and K is not used.
That leaves me with the green wire and brown and white wire at the heater pig tale.
I also just found the loom for the fuel pump (green and brown w/ white) in a box of old wiring that came with the car. So I've got that going for me. Looks like it enters the car near where the fuel line passed through the frunk. _________________ - 1973 Thing, some LandCruisers and an old Ambulance |
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Heiferman Samba Member

Joined: February 28, 2024 Posts: 205 Location: Georgia, USA
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Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2024 11:25 am Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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Fun 181 wrote: |
The BN4 VeeWiki Page
Ian Epperson has created an overview of the parts and operation of the BN4 heater on his VeeWiki page which is a great place to start...
http://veewiki2.webfactional.com/HeaterBN4
VW Workshop Maual: Fresh Air Heating
"This manual covers Eberspacher gas heaters installed in several types of air-cooled Volkswagens. These units are relatively unsafe if not well looked after, so hopefully owners of these heaters will find this information useful."
Found here...
http://oacdp.freeweb7.com/ebersp.html
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Click the links in post one with care. The links above from the first post in this thread are broken and full of virus warnings, etc.
Maybe we could get a mod to clean it up. _________________ - 1973 Thing, some LandCruisers and an old Ambulance |
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Heiferman Samba Member

Joined: February 28, 2024 Posts: 205 Location: Georgia, USA
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Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2024 11:21 am Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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Trail Taxi wrote: |
G
as heater dash indicator lights -- 73 Thing with BN4. I've searched and searched for answers to this question with no luck. If someone can enlighten me or point me to a link that would be great.
What is the little red indicator (says DEF on it) located just above the thermostat control. It is never lit so the bulb may be out. How do I remove the bulb?
There is also an amber indicator just to the left of the glove box. This one says DEF/Heat and also is never lit. It's made of old "crunchy" plastic, so I need to be careful disassembling it should it have a replaceable bulb. It has power going into the back of the device.
TIA, John |
My 73 does not have the DEF light above the knob by the door jamb and I have never seen that as I am pouring over images and docs about the BN4 now. I am thinking not OEM. I believe the Defrost/Heat light is illuminated with the head lights. my cover and knob are both MIA.
Correction: That is an OEM Defrost warning indicator:
https://www.thingparts.com/warning-light-for-heater-defrost-indicator/
Maybe someone else can chime in about years used. _________________ - 1973 Thing, some LandCruisers and an old Ambulance
Last edited by Heiferman on Sat Jul 27, 2024 5:05 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Trail Taxi Samba Member
Joined: May 27, 2024 Posts: 3 Location: SoCal
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Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2024 9:19 am Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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G
as heater dash indicator lights -- 73 Thing with BN4. I've searched and searched for answers to this question with no luck. If someone can enlighten me or point me to a link that would be great.
What is the little red indicator (says DEF on it) located just above the thermostat control. It is never lit so the bulb may be out. How do I remove the bulb?
There is also an amber indicator just to the left of the glove box. This one says DEF/Heat and also is never lit. It's made of old "crunchy" plastic, so I need to be careful disassembling it should it have a replaceable bulb. It has power going into the back of the device.
TIA, John |
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fastmc25 Samba Member

Joined: January 01, 2004 Posts: 1216 Location: East Tennessee
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Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2024 8:09 pm Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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Trying out one of these Diesel heaters. I have a BN4 that needs rebuilt. This heater works very well. It will cook you out.
It Runs on diesel so you need to install a tank in the trunk. With the 10 liter tank it runs 16 hrs on high. I changed the tank to a smaller 6 liter unit trying to save trunk space.
At $90 it has worked perfectly so far. The kit comes with everything needed including the fuel pump. I added a 90 degree tip on the muffler to push the exhaust down under the car.
I did change the color on the cover to black. That orange is hideous 😂
_________________ Peace,
Paul
1973 Type181 Kubelwagen (Thing 2 ) 2110cc
1971 Transporter (Pickle) 1914cc
1961 Deluxe Beetle (Christine) 1776cc
1973 Adventurewagen Baja Bus (Clyde) 3.4L
1970 Formula Vee Beetle 2276cc
I identify as: “A Pissed Old GI ” |
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notchboy Samba Member

Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 22625 Location: Escondido CA
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Posted: Thu May 04, 2023 10:52 am Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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soko121 wrote: |
we are restoring our 73 from the ground up for my 16 yr old Son. the BN4 is coming out, i have it posted for sale on the classifieds. |
This?
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2615743
If so - do you have the pump under by the gas tank? The protective shield in the trunk, the fresh air paper pipe and the exhaust pipe? Any gaskets around them and the switch with the light from inside the cabin? The cover for the top.
The more you have - the closer you will get to that $200. _________________
t3kg wrote: |
OK, this thread is over. You win. |
Jason "notchboy" Weigel
1964 1500 S
1964 T34 S Convertible
1977 Westfalia Camper pop-top |
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soko121 Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2023 Posts: 1 Location: TX
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Posted: Thu May 04, 2023 9:17 am Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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we are restoring our 73 from the ground up for my 16 yr old Son. the BN4 is coming out, i have it posted for sale on the classifieds. |
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NormGarr87 Samba Member

Joined: August 16, 2008 Posts: 46 Location: Anderson, South Carolina
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Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2022 11:14 am Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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I thought about this conversion. Should not be hard; you just need the parts. I do not remember if there are channels for the heater control wires on the Thing pan. _________________ 72 forever project Bug
03 Boxster S
18 Tiguan SE
73 Thing
81 Caddy w/2.0 liter ABA
Every VW has some Porsche DNA and every Porsche has some VW DNA. Sorry boys, they started as hopped up V-Dubs. |
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volkybus Samba Member
Joined: November 03, 2013 Posts: 486 Location: CASTLETON VT USA
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Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2022 7:43 am Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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Here is a dumb question but related to heat not the gas heater Has a anybody ever taken the heat from the doghouse out vent and used it as a heat source for some heat, say in Oct or early Nov. My gas heater caught on fire so it scares me .I got the fire out but flames coming out under the fender just make s me nervous .I don't use my thing after mid Nov so the shoulder season is what I m looking at. I may put heater boxes on but with all that free heat I'm wondering if anyone has done this..Thanks Bill (73 thing,76 Westy) |
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notchboy Samba Member

Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 22625 Location: Escondido CA
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NormGarr87 Samba Member

Joined: August 16, 2008 Posts: 46 Location: Anderson, South Carolina
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Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2020 6:50 pm Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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Notchboy, I finally watched a You Tube Video you posted on this thread that shows the inside of the Temperature Regulating Switch. SCORE!!!! The cam inside my box lines up with the cam in the new unit installed in the video.
Now I just need to learn how to set the temperature limit.
Not so frustrated in South Carolina! _________________ 72 forever project Bug
03 Boxster S
18 Tiguan SE
73 Thing
81 Caddy w/2.0 liter ABA
Every VW has some Porsche DNA and every Porsche has some VW DNA. Sorry boys, they started as hopped up V-Dubs. |
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NormGarr87 Samba Member

Joined: August 16, 2008 Posts: 46 Location: Anderson, South Carolina
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Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2020 10:11 am Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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Thanks Notchboy. Great Vid. Now I have a very specific question. I have the square temperature regulator. How do I set the points so the heater will cycle? I have never seen a "good" regulator so I do not know where the plastic cam should be in relation to the "points".
I have freed everything up so it moved free. I can set it so power goes off as the spring contracts (heat gun). It moves freely into the "get hot now" position from the cooldown position. I can't figure out how the points ride on the cam to regulate temperature.
Frustrated in South Carolina. It's not cold here yet but it's coming. _________________ 72 forever project Bug
03 Boxster S
18 Tiguan SE
73 Thing
81 Caddy w/2.0 liter ABA
Every VW has some Porsche DNA and every Porsche has some VW DNA. Sorry boys, they started as hopped up V-Dubs. |
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notchboy Samba Member

Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 22625 Location: Escondido CA
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Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2020 7:37 am Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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NormGarr87 wrote: |
Can someone direct me to information on setting up the Temperature Regulating Switch. I think I have read all the FAQs and I'm on my way to memorizing the manual. I have mine freed up and I see how it works. I'm just not sure how to properly set the switch. I guess I'm not really sure how the "switch" rides on the cam to regulate temperature.
Thanks,
Frustrated in South Carolina! |
The metal spring/band around the probe that sits inside the outlet air side gets expanded and contracted manually when you push and pull the TEMP knob inside the cabin. Heat causes the spring/band to expand and contract while the unit is on. The pull knob cable either increases or decreases the springs ability to expand and contract while the unit is on.
It doesn't change the heat cycle output much. Its a relatively short window difference from knob all in or pulled all out.
In this vid - I only show the output right before the spring gets hot enough to shut off the fuel pump. It then lets the fire die, cooling down the spring, then clicking the pump back on, igniting the fire, heat comes out, cycle repeated.
Link
_________________
t3kg wrote: |
OK, this thread is over. You win. |
Jason "notchboy" Weigel
1964 1500 S
1964 T34 S Convertible
1977 Westfalia Camper pop-top |
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NormGarr87 Samba Member

Joined: August 16, 2008 Posts: 46 Location: Anderson, South Carolina
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Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2020 7:12 pm Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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Can someone direct me to information on setting up the Temperature Regulating Switch. I think I have read all the FAQs and I'm on my way to memorizing the manual. I have mine freed up and I see how it works. I'm just not sure how to properly set the switch. I guess I'm not really sure how the "switch" rides on the cam to regulate temperature.
Thanks,
Frustrated in South Carolina! _________________ 72 forever project Bug
03 Boxster S
18 Tiguan SE
73 Thing
81 Caddy w/2.0 liter ABA
Every VW has some Porsche DNA and every Porsche has some VW DNA. Sorry boys, they started as hopped up V-Dubs. |
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notchboy Samba Member

Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 22625 Location: Escondido CA
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Posted: Fri May 24, 2019 9:28 pm Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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Picked up some Eberspacher goodies. Ill be selling the Thing thermostats with cables for $180 ea if anyone is interested.
_________________
t3kg wrote: |
OK, this thread is over. You win. |
Jason "notchboy" Weigel
1964 1500 S
1964 T34 S Convertible
1977 Westfalia Camper pop-top |
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kenj06 Samba Member

Joined: November 28, 2011 Posts: 199 Location: Ohio
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Posted: Mon May 06, 2019 7:05 pm Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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notchboy wrote: |
Generator or alternator? VW put 75 amp alts in later bays with the metering type BN4 & BA6 gas heaters. The only time I hear this kind of issue is not enough amps or the voltage drops below 11.5. |
Generator. Measured voltage at the heater and have 11.5 with no lights, 10.5 with lights. Voltage drop somewhere in the 45 year old wiring, imagine that. Now to find it.
Thanks for the tip! |
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notchboy Samba Member

Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 22625 Location: Escondido CA
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Posted: Sun May 05, 2019 8:23 pm Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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Generator or alternator? VW put 75 amp alts in later bays with the metering type BN4 & BA6 gas heaters. The only time I hear this kind of issue is not enough amps or the voltage drops below 11.5. I just bench tested a later metering pump BN2 and the pump kept stopping during ignition cycle. Put the trickle charger on then - bam enough juice, ran fine. _________________
t3kg wrote: |
OK, this thread is over. You win. |
Jason "notchboy" Weigel
1964 1500 S
1964 T34 S Convertible
1977 Westfalia Camper pop-top |
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kenj06 Samba Member

Joined: November 28, 2011 Posts: 199 Location: Ohio
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Posted: Sun May 05, 2019 7:37 pm Post subject: Re: Heating FAQs - BN4 Gas heaters & heating related topics |
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OK BN4 experts, I'm looking for suggestions to resolve my issue.
The heater works fine during startup, cycles through combustion and cool down and shut down fine.
The problem is at night when I have the lights on, and the heater is NOT in the combustion cycle, the lights dim and the fan slows, in time with what would be the fuel pump pulsing. But the fuel pump is not working at that point in time. It's almost like there is a short during that time but no blown fuses or burnt wires. Even without lights on, I can hear the fan pulsing. During the combustion cycle, when the pump is pulsing, no lights dimming and fan speed is steady. During Shutdown, no pulsing.
Engine speed does not make a difference on the pulsing. I can be at a stop light or on the highway and the lights dim just the same.
The charging circuit (generator) checks fine, 12.8V out of the regulator at idle and 13.8 about 1500 RPM.
I cleaned the grounds (battery, battery to body, chassis to tranny and heater). Cleaned all the connections on the charging circuit. Cleaned all the terminals on the switch and those I could reach on the heater, without taking it out. Took the pump out and cleaned it and checked it. Measures 6 ohms so pulling around 2A which seems normal.
This would make sense to me if it happened when the pump was running.
It's been this way a few years and I would like to get it fixed so as not to attract the attention of law enforcement during chilly nights because my lights are pulsing. I'm used to driving cold VWs but the other 1/2 likes the heat.
My next step is to pull the heater over the summer, tear it down and clean it up.
Any suggestions on where to look? Maybe a bad capacitor/condenser, relay or?
Thanks! |
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notchboy Samba Member

Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 22625 Location: Escondido CA
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