Coolant Heater

JD Baillie · #1 09-12-03, 04:59

Anyone have any idea where a coolant heater type:
Southwind Model 939 J24 was used and how it was installed? It looks as if it is gasoline driven with regulator?? This has come with my M152.

Jd

JD Baillie · #2 21-12-03, 06:30

Here is a picture of the mystery heater

JD Baillie · #3 21-12-03, 06:31

And another....

JD Baillie · #4 21-12-03, 06:33

Not even the original gatherer of these knows what it is. THere are about five in this condition. It appears that there is a water jacket that is heated directly by a gas flame and then further heated by exhaust gasses passing over tank before exiting the bottom vent.

Hope this sparks some memories.

JD

Richard Farrant · #5 21-12-03, 09:25

JD,
In fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, they are usually fitted with coolant heaters that are hooked up to mains power supply, in order that the engine is warm before moving off.
I am only thinking that in a case of a crash truck, ambulance or similar on an airstrip without electric power, this would be an ideal part of the equipment. This is purely guesswork, but until someone comes up with the right use........

Richard

JD Baillie · #6 21-12-03, 20:17

Richard,
Thanks. Kinda figured that out to some extent, but no suggestion refused! These are mil spec and so played some role. Your airstrip idea is a good one as they came from Winnipeg.. but there is a Light Infantry Bn garrissoned there as well as Air force.

Cheers
JD

JD Baillie · #7 22-12-03, 16:21

Managed to get a 1800 number for StewartWarner/Southwind in the U.S. They are in the middle of a production run for this heater. Developed in the early 70s, the heater burns anything but primarily diesel. There's no one left at the company who wa there 30 years ago so they can't tell me exactly the military application but I can purchase a manual for one. By deduction, and the obvious lack of an internal coolant pump, the heater is likely for the 2.5 to 10 ton diesel SMPs. Canada had some of the 5 & 10 tonners of that pattern in the 70s and may still for heavy low bed hauling of tracked vehs.

Next

Cheers all.
JD

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #8 22-12-03, 18:13

This likely stemmed from experience in the Korean War where vehicles froze solid in intense cold unless they were started and warmed every couple of hours. It makes sense. The Germans had the same experience in Russia during the endless months of the winter campaigns; there are many stories of having to build fires underneath the engines of vehicles and aircraft alike, just to enable them to be started. In the 40's and early 50's, the answer was to dilute the oil with diesel fuel, but that obviously wasn't a successful remedy, especially in terms of engine longevity.

I'll look into this some more.

chris vickery · #9 22-12-03, 19:12

These look like the same units Brian Asbury has for sale. Originally a heater intended for 2 1/2 ton M35 series trucks, I think also for 5 tonner.
The kits Brian has are dual purpose. There is a coolant heater and a passenger area cab heater.
The idea of these units were to utilize the trucks fuel system to keep coolant warm while the vehicle was standing, particularly in cold weather climate eg. Artic conditions

JD Baillie · #10 22-12-03, 19:43

Chris,
I need to move these units to a good home. Can you put me in touch with Brian?

JD

chris vickery · #11 23-12-03, 17:30

Brian Asbury can be reached at (519) 853-1738 Acton ON