Date:         Mon, 9 Apr 2001 09:55:28 -0400
Reply-To:     Walt Spak <wnsopc3@3RDM.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Walt Spak <wnsopc3@3RDM.NET>
Subject:      Temperature guage
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

List,

I thought I ought to put my 2 cents in about the temp gauge situation.  I
installed a Boston Bob rebuilt engine in my 91 GL last spring.  At the same
time,  I replaced both of the temp sensors in the thermostat housing and the
fan switch in the radiator (along with just about everything else).

I was planning to install an 87 degree thermostat, but Bob insisted that I
should use an 80 degree.  With the 80 degree, the temp gauge came only about
half way up to the light, even during 90 degree weather.  The fan would
cycle on low speed when I was at a stop light or in traffic, but the gauge
would still not go much above the 1/2 way point to the light (1/4 up the
gauge).  I ran the bus this way through Dec. when I started to notice that
my heater was not sufficient with the colder weather.  I then installed the
87 degree thermostat.  The temp gauge immediately went to the normal
position of just covering the lower half of the light.  It was 80 degrees
out side yesterday and the temp gauge stays in the normal position, except
that at traffic lights when it climbs slightly to cover the upper portion of
the light.  The fan continues to cycle when I am idling just like it did
with the cooler thermostat.

I was surprised by this because I expected the fan to run considerably more
frequently with the higher thermostat.  So, the engine is defiantly running
hotter, but the fan does not cycle any more often.  I really can not explain
this situation.  Can anyone else?

Boston Bob's theory was to keep the engine as cool as possible, particularly
in the summer.  With all due respect, I am disagreeing and here is why.  I
was pulling a steady 20 MPG with the old engine (87 degree thermostat).  The
new engine gave me only 18 MPG.  I attributed this to the engine being
tight, but I had already put 20,000 miles on it by Dec..  When I switched
back to the 87 degree thermostat, the gas mileage jumped right back up to
20.  This leads me to believe that the engine runs more efficiently at 87
degrees.

Comments?

Walt Spak
Pittsburgh, PA.
wnsopc3@3rdm.net