Date:         Thu, 21 Dec 2000 19:04:52 -0700
Reply-To:     The Blackhams <steph@USWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         The Blackhams <steph@USWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Coolant Thermostat Question
Comments: To: Joel Walker <jwalker17@earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Joel and list:

The temp sensor II is new  last summer.

I'm wondering whether I have a 80 degree thermostat installed  (instead of
a 87 degree one).  The combination of a lower temp thermo, cold local temps
and heater going full bore is keeping engine from gaining full engine temp
on short local trips is lowering my mpg from 20 to 18 (17.4).  Idle seems
to be erratic also.  Idle stablizer is having a hard time finding its mark.

Any further words of wisdom?

Have fun

Steve Blackham
Centerville, Utah
77 Bus converted to camper (westy top)
87 Vanagon Weekender

"Is Density a four letter word?" <www.ourcenterville.org/blackham/page1.htm>

>> As of late my gas mileage has been lacking.  I'm wondering if it is
>being
>> caused by a bad coolant system thermostat.    Its acting like my 77
>bus did
>> when the cold start valve wouldn't shut off.   In looking at the
>"pro
>> manual"  it say's cold start is now handled by a longer injector
>duration
>> as determined by the coolant temperature as determined by the
>coolant
>> temperature sensor.  I've noticed it is taking quite a while to get
>to
>> operating temperature (if at all in our frigid Utah temps).  Do you
>concure
>> that a new coolant thermostat is warranted?
>
>if you mean 'guaranteed by whoever replaced it', it depends on the
>mechanics. if you mean 'might be needed' ... maybe. i'd replace the
>coolant temp sensor first ... it's cheaper and a lot easier to
>replace. especially if the coolant temp gauge needle IS getting up to
>the LED (about mid-way on the scale). if the needle moves up, even if
>slowly, the thermostat is working. like on my new-to-me 91, the needle
>never moves unless i sit and idle ... now, THAT is definitely the
>thermostat stuck open. drive off and in less than a mile the temp
>needle is back down to the bottom of the scale.
>
>i'd try the coolant temp sensor first, and also check out the
>electrical grounds of the engine to the chassis (big wire/strap on the
>left/driver side of the engine, from the cylinder head to the 'wall'
>of the engine compartment). the fuel injection is very sensitive to
>bad electrical ground connections.
>
>good luck!
>joel
>>
>> Bentley is not very discriptive in this proceedure.  The schematic
>seems to
>> indicate all you have to do is remove the Breather Valve assembly
>and the
>> thermostat is underneath.  How much coolant is lost in doing this?
>Do I
>> need to bleed the system after replacing the thermostat?
>>
>> Thanks & Have fun
>>
>> Steve Blackham
>> Centerville, Utah
>> 77 Bus converted to camper (westy top)
>> 87 Vanagon Weekender
>>
>> "Is Density a four letter word?"
><www.ourcenterville.org/blackham/page1.htm>
>>