THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

Hello All,
I thought all you Pinz drivers who live in cold environments make find this interesting:

Since it is starting to get cold already here in Michigan I took some time this weekend to do an experiment.....I installed a Swingfire Turbo heater in the back of my 710M.
Here are some photos:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/hkg3sg1@sbc ... 1302#page1

The GOOD points:
- Easy installation
- Self contained - requires only power to start.
- No permanent visual modification - I added threaded inserts and one
7/8" hole for the exhaust all are hidden when the rear seats are
installed.
- Great air flow - the flow rate is strong enough to circulate hot air
through the entire vehicle interior without any secondary fan or ducting.
- LOTS of heat! (40,000 btu)

The BAD points:
- Slightly loud on the inside. Outside exhaust is very quite.
- TOO MUCH HEAT!

I tested it last night in 45 degree F outside temps and had to turn it off after about 15 minutes of driving. I was so hot in the interior that I had to open the cold air vent and I still could of worn shorts and a T-shirt! I was concerned a little with CO output which turned out not to be a problem. The meter peaked at 12 ppm when running and maxed out at 32 ppm about 15 minutes after I parked it with the heater off and a warm engine in a closed garage.
I will leave it installed hoping for a REAL cold day with lots of snow to see how it performs then.

That tempts me to install mine. Aside from the size, everyone I have fiddled with was a PITA to start. I would be more inclined to mount up mine if I new I could get it started without the time/fiddling involved.
Anyone out there have any hints/tricks for easy starts & use?
John

Hello John,
Mine starts right up. Here is what I do:
1. Warm the chamber by letting the plug fire for about ten seconds
2. Give two quick pumps on the handle
3. While continueing to pump I open the fuel valve 1 turn and wait for the pulses to start. This usually takes 1 or 2 seconds.

The key for mine is that the pumps on the handle are pretty quick and vigorous. The whole process takes about 15 ~ 20 seconds and it starts every time. If you are still having starting/running issues also check to see that the gas tank cap is tight and the seal is good.

I've only had my pinz a couple of months. I'm also from Michigan and last week I took it out while it was in the upper 30's. With the canvas divider rolled down and the heater going it wasn't that bad. A little chilly but bearable. I've been looking for an auxillary heater but don't really want something thats gonna sweat me out. I had a VW when I was a kid and the heater was about the same as the pinz, and in the winter I would cover the grill with a piece of cardboard and the heater worked great. Has anyone tried this in the winter??
Just wondering.
Spence

Hello Spence,
Good to hear from another Michigan Pinz owner! I agree that it is bearable with the cab divider rolled down, especially if you have insulated the ducts. I would highly discourage blocking the front air intake in the Pinz. As you know this is a air cooled engine and having a good flow of air is critical for uniform cooling. There is a Espar small gas fired heater that can be installed behind the drivers seat. I do not have this on mine but have been told that the BN-4 model performs pretty well without sweating you out like the Swingfire. Also, if you have the cash, an Airtop gas heater is perhaps the best available gas heater around....pricey but good!
-Stu

Spence a few words on blocking the grill for more heat: DON'T or be very CAREFUL.
We had a customer do exactly that. End result was he overheated #3, seized a ring and then paid for a top end overhaul.