Mini heater

Post by **Peetee** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 1:04 pm

Does anyone have one of these in their Minor?
I'm lead to believe they fit but one thing puzzles me. Ever one I have seen has the controls well forward of the front plate. If this front plate fits in the same position as the Minor one (ie flush with the lip below the dashboard) then the controls will be sticking out and will interfere with my keys dangling from the ignition switch.
Or am I missing something here?

Also they are described as being 'two speed' but the switch onle seems to have an on and off.

Post by **tony22** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 5:00 pm

hi if you go to technical tips section you will see how it is done

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 8:27 pm

There are two mini heaters single and two speed, the later really is only marginally better than the minor's original in my opinion.

Post by **Peetee** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 8:30 pm

hi if you go to technical tips section you will see how it is done

Ah It's all becoming clear to me now. 'use the flap and front plate' it said - contrary to the statement 'use entire mini unit'.

Post by **JimK** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 8:48 pm

I just take the keys out once the engine is running, et voila, no dangly keys

I've covered up part of the intake on mine to give a little more heat (using gaffer tape), but I'm still wondering how to improve the flow to the windscreen vents. Does a Mini heater give you that?

Post by **Peetee** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:02 pm

but I'm still wondering how to improve the flow to the windscreen vents.

I'm pretty convinced the air is mostly escaping around the heater flap and the gap between the dashboard vents and the ducts screwed beneath them.

Post by **RogerRust** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:12 pm

I tapes up the hole at the front of the heater box just below the lever.
This greatly improved the demister and there was still some warm air blowing down by my feet.

Post by **JimK** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:14 pm

That sounds like a good idea. I noticed that when the control is set to "screen" there's still a lot of air coming out of the cabin vent. I'll get the gaffer tape out again.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 7:03 pm

The Mini heater has a bigger fan = more airflow. The original Minor flap and lever fits straight on, you just need to drill a hole for a switch. The 2 speed option is for an additional slow speed - not really what's wanted! Back in the old days - I used the complete heater unit from an 1100 - MUCH bigger radiator and fan - made a huge difference. I guess hard to get these days.

Post by **Kevin** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 3:45 pm

Peetee you really must read your Minor Matters its in the current issue.

Post by **Peetee** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 6:05 am

Peetee you really must read your Minor Matters its in the current issue

I have, and it is that which prompted me to ask the original question as the article didn't make it clear that there are two different types of heater.

Post by **jonathon** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 7:56 am

There is also a superior after market 3 speed heater availableat a reasonable cost and with very simple fitting. PM me for pics and details if interested.