5 replies to this topic

[radders27]

Hi,

 

I'm very new to Mini's and have just purchased a 1977 850. I'm going to be using the car as my everyday transport. The current heater blower is a single speed one and it's not great at demisting the windscreen.  

 

At what year did they convert to a 2 speed blower and would this be a straight forward swap if I could find one?

 

Thanks

[HarrysMini]

They converted to 2 speed in 1996 (introduction of MPi)

 

A very easy swap. Although the extra cost of 2 speeds made me decide just to use a single speed.

[Jordie]

Single speed is fine.

 

You might want to consider removing the heater and doing a quick refurb on it. Theres a flap which moves inside the heater, which directs the air. This flap is sealed by some foam. The foam usually disappears and falls away over years. I did mine with some foam strips i had knocking around and it helped, the air doesnt escape into the footwells when its set to the windscreen.

 

Also check the 2 plastic hoses going to windscreen arent split and maybe consider taping them at each end to avoid loss of air.

 

You can buy heated windscreens from minispares alternatively.

 

Good condition door and window seals, will prevent water getting in the car which will prevent misting up. I also recormend fitting rubber mats for winter, this way any water/snow from your shoes is collected on the mats. Use some kitchen roll or similar to dab up the water to prevent condensation within the car and freezing on the inside in the winter.

 

Thats before checking the heater tap and the cable lever is working correctly.....i have my heater set to hot all year round. Keep an eye on your coolant level, i found in years gone by, when the coolant level drops, the heater doesnt work as good.

 

Jordie

[AVV IT]

As above, the issue is usually poor insulation of the heater and its demister ducts and vents, meaning that any warm air has gone pretty much cold by the time it actually gets to the windscreen. So I'd recommend a heater overhaul, and also take a look at the condition of your demister ducts and vents too, as these often develop cracks, gaps and leaks, that loose warm air.

 

I'd certainly suggest that you do all this first before investing in an mpi heater, otherwise you might find that you've spent out on a twin speed heater with exactly the same insulation problems, and all you end up with is a heater that is just as an ineffective, but has an extra blower setting! 

[radders27]

Many thanks for the very helpful replies. I was also looking to see if there was a 'Heater refurb' kit.

 

I also own a 1968 Mk1 Triumph saloon and the Triumph specialist, Chris Witor does a heater rebuild kit with all new foam. This made an amazing difference to the heater. I couldn't keep the windscreen demisted at all before I rebuilt the heater, but now it's no problem.

 

Thanks again.

[colinu]

Or if you plan on swapping your heater try this out... http://www.t7design....products_id=310
Small and very good heat output.
See installation of it in a Mk1 Mini here... http://new.minimania...er_Contribution