Date:         Fri, 22 Dec 2000 19:08:03 -0800
Reply-To:     T Berk <tberk@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         T Berk <tberk@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: help! overheating with maple syrup smell
Comments: To: Larry Hamm <ldhamm@XMISSION.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Larry Hamm wrote:
>
> Jay,
> I think Gary's theory about freezeup is probably right. Get a cheap
> tester at the FLAPS and check the coolant for protection level.
> The 50/50 mix is good for about -34F, so unless you expect to see lower
> temps than that, you should be fine.
> Larry


General ratio starts at 60/40 coolant, 70/30 not a bad idea in adverse
conditions. now I live in (mostly) sunny Northern California but still,
50/50 isn't what I'd use in the winter. I recommend thinning it out when
it's really hot out or you are running hard and need to dump a lot of
heat- water transfers the heat better than the glycol- but since glycol
freezes at such a lower temp that you richen the mixture for those cold days.

Consider the thermostat you are looking at getting; they come in
different temperatures, you may want to get one spec'ed for the colder
temps and another for the summer season.

You've seen the truckers with cardboard covering the radiator, right?
Consider adding a shield to deflect the winds blowing right on the
exposed coolant hoses/ thermostat housing when at speed, this might help
avoid spot freezing on the highway.

Thems my thinks, hth.
TBerk