Date:         Wed, 20 Sep 2000 15:46:50 -0700
Reply-To:     Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Subject:      Re: Cooler thermostat question? when needed?
Comments: To: Oxroad@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

On long hot climbs a cooler thermostat and cooler fan switch will make
absolutely no difference in where the temperature needle goes....

That's because once the work load and ambient temperature are up there high
enough to keep the thermostat open and open the fan switch then that's
it.... you're cooling system has done all it can do to keep your engine
cool... I expect you will reach that rather quickly on a hot day on a long
climb.

Seems to me that the only situation that the cooler thermostat and fan
switch will make a difference is on a hot day in stop and go traffic... when
your heating up periods are short in duration... in that case the thermostat
kicking in quicker and the fan coming on sooner should help to keep the
temperature down for those short periods.... but if you're stuck at a stop
for a long period... not so much benefit..

Also keep in mind that if the fan cycles on and off more frequently... which
a lower temp fan switch should do... you will shorten the life of the
fan....

Bill
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeffrey R" <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2000 2:07 PM
Subject: Cooler thermostat question? when needed?


> Under what conditions would one want/need a cooler than stock thermostat
or a
> fan switch for the radiator. Are these for desert conditions? Are these
for
> areas with steep mountain grades? I'm relocating to LA are these necessary
> for heavy traffic conditions in summer heat? The options follow:
>
> I see Bus Depot among others offers two thermostats: a stock unit that
opens
> at 87 degrees and a cooler thermostat that opens at 80 degrees.
> Part number: 025 121 113F and 025 121 113E respectively
>
> Also in the radiator fan switch there is the stock switch and a "cooler"
> switch that kicks in at 85 degees.
> Part number 321 959 481D and 321 959 481D8 respectively.
>
> I am currently replacing my radiator as it's not cooling well especially
on
> climbs through the Rockies. I would change to "cooler" thermostat and
cooler
> fan switch if necessary while I have the coolant system open. I will be
> driving in LA but plan to hit the mountains whenever I can including Tahoe
> and Colorado and Wyoming and the like.
>
> TIA
> Jeff
> 83.5 Westy
> LA Bound
>