Date:         Thu, 18 Mar 2004 09:33:10 -0700
Reply-To:     Robert Lilley <wolfvan88@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Lilley <wolfvan88@COX.NET>
Subject:      How hot is your van? Get a IR Thermometer and find out...
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I bought a IR Thermometer at Radio Shack a few days ago (37$ after batteries
and taxes).  Neat device.  I have been measuring the temps inside over the
past few days.
 
Got inside yesterday after the van sat in the sun (@90F) for @1.5 hours and
took some temp readings.
 
The front A/C air ducts over head were 124 F, in about 6 minutes with the
a/c on they were 58F. The door in the sun was 141F
At the end of my 40 minute trip I measured the air duct temp at the back and
it was at 48F.
 
I measured the temps around the front floor. 
Under the gas pedal it hit 137F.  On the left side it was 105F center was
117F Right side was 124 Just behind the gear shifter it was 110  a little
further back 105.
A/C duct overhead was at 60F.
 
That could explain why I had a hot foot during the hot summers in Mesa, AZ.
 
 
I measured some around the engine compartment also.
Exhaust pipe that had ceramic coatings were @350F.  Places that had no
coating or heat wrap were above 418F [gauge only goes to 400F (418F actual)]
 
 
I plan to add some heat blocking material under the front, behind radiator
and in engine compartment and on the floor under the front to control the
heating problem.
 
 
I do not like having a cool head and a hot lower body, plus when it hits a
110 outside the heat radiating of the van floor is too much for the A/C to
compensate for and three to five hot bodies inside.
 
 
 
 
Robert