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chrispy



Member Since: 13 Mar 2015
Location: Gwent
Posts: 347

Wales 1987 Defender 90 300 Tdi CSW Keswick Green
Heater Upgrade Options in Tdi?
Can anyone recommend a good heater upgrade for a 300Tdi? Now the cold weather is upon us we're starting to notice how appalling the heaters are in the earlier models so any advice would be very welcome. Do units out of later models (ie Td5 Tdci) fit? I did search before asking the question but couldn't see anything other than someone replacing their unit with one out of a Pontiac.
Post #493153 17th Jan 2016 1:05am
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JAY BOY



Member Since: 04 May 2010
Location: Not here
Posts: 1706

Wales 
I would either get a 12V electric heater or get an inverter and use a 230V heater.
TD5 is not much better than you have. Thumbs Up
Post #493154 17th Jan 2016 1:18am
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Dave T



Member Since: 07 Jun 2013
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 490

United Kingdom 1994 Defender 90 300 Tdi SW Cairns Blue
Make sure the cables are adjusted properly, mine is so hot I normally have a vent open! 2015 RRS Autobiography SDV6
1994 Def 90 300tdi
Post #493165 17th Jan 2016 7:37am
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Anderzander



Member Since: 08 Feb 2011
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 1000

United Kingdom 
I was about to post that.

If it's never been looked at check its set up properly - overtime they do seem to go out of adjustment, I don't know if it's the cable stretching or slipping, but check its fully opening.

If that doesn't work it may be worth checking the core in their is in good condition.

If they are in good condition I think the old Land Rover heaters are good - perhaps a bit slow to heat up (maybe particularly on a tdi?) and with a few droughts to overcome Smile - but it should be good enough.

.
Post #493167 17th Jan 2016 7:54am
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chrispy



Member Since: 13 Mar 2015
Location: Gwent
Posts: 347

Wales 1987 Defender 90 300 Tdi CSW Keswick Green
Thumbs Up
Post #493170 17th Jan 2016 8:11am
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LRmud



Member Since: 22 Oct 2014
Location: IV12 Highland
Posts: 198

Scotland 1989 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Baltic Blue
I took mine to bits last year and found the heater matrix was a bit blocked. Massive difference once flushed through.
Also swapped the mud-encrusted original blower for a "bilge blower" type of fan - much improved air flow.
No problems now. Thumbs Up --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 Defender 90
Toyota Aygo & Honda FR-V
Post #493187 17th Jan 2016 9:27am
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Retroanaconda



Member Since: 04 Jan 2012
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2645

Scotland 
Tdi heaters are fine and more than adequate for the job. Usually a combination of factors makes them ineffective, generally down to neglect and lack of maintenance.

Check cable adjustment.
Ensure all seals are in place so you aren't losing hot air.
Ensure matrix is clear both internally and externally.
Ensure engine thermostat and cooling fan are operating correctly.
Eliminate cold draughts from body panel gaps etc.
Post #493194 17th Jan 2016 10:05am
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Alex1976



Member Since: 23 Jan 2013
Location: Buckingham
Posts: 596

England 
Agree with above. My 300tdi heater is very toasty, even when I have taken it to places like the Alps in winter.

If it is working properly and you have decent door seals then it should be fine.

If you want to upgrade it then Allisport do an updated matrix but I don't have any experience of these to comment on how effective they actually are.
Post #493199 17th Jan 2016 10:18am
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Litch



Member Since: 10 Mar 2013
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 762

England 
As above, standard heater is fine as long as the cooling system & heater controls are operating as they should.
My 300TDi soft-top is my daily driver yet the heater is so effective that after the initial warm-up period I often have to turn it down as the cab gets too hot (viscous fan fitted, rad not blocked off etc etc).

If the engine is reaching normal operating temperature (if it isn't, find out why not) then practically the same heat should be available through the heater vents (allow for a few degrees loss as the hot air passes through the ducting). ONE LIFE, GET IT!
Post #493308 17th Jan 2016 3:53pm
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