Date:         Wed, 10 Oct 2001 11:54:53 -0700
Reply-To:     Bill Nienhuis <billn@BILLN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Nienhuis <billn@BILLN.COM>
Subject:      Diesel engine coolant issues and questions
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

Hello everyone.

I have a few issues that I hope someone can help me with.

1. About 2 months ago, I  took my 1982 Diesel Vanagon in to a VW authorized dealership for a standard oil change/lube. When I got the van back, I noticed that my temperature gauge wasn't moving at all. I mean the indicator doesn't budge a bit. It usually comes up a few notches after running for awhile.  What could be the cause of this? Did the dealership not hook something up? What should I look for?

2. A day or so ago, the larger of the 2 coolant tanks [not the one behind the license plate] split its seam and started spurting liquid out all over the place. Not good. I've looked on busdepot.com for a replacement tank, but have noticed that there are a few listed there and they range in price from $30 to $90. I don't know which one to purchase. Are there a number of choices for replacement tanks or should I look for a specific part number?

3. How easy is it to replace one of these tanks? Should I do anything else in addition to replacing it?

4. OK --  dumb question now -- what kind [brand name?] of coolant should I buy for an '82 diesel?

Thanks -- although I'm mostly a lurker on this list, I do appreciate all the help everyone gives. I'm trying to learn this stuff so I don't always have to take the van into the repair shop and pay their large labor costs.

Bill

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