Date:         Sat, 22 Dec 2001 19:54:15 -0600
Reply-To:     Dart 330 <dart330@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dart 330 <dart330@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      changed coolant and rear heater core
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Well I set out to flush my old green coolant the PO had put in, put in new
blue coolant, put in a new rear heater core, and put in new plastic T's for
the hoses to the rear heater. I changed out the the T's first, this was
pretty easy, just hard to get both hands up in there to do it.

Next I took out the old heater core and put in the new one. Fit very well,
didn't find an old gasket or o-ring where the core bolts to the shut off
valve. I didn't have a new one to install due to xmas shipping delays so I
just bolted it like the old one. No leaks so far, perhaps I will put in the
o-ring next time I change the coolant.

Then I put in the 5/8 inch T piece (from the prestone flush kit $4) up front
above the spare wheel where the hose is already cut with an adaptor in it.
Took out the bleeder screw on the radiator and the cap on the coolant tank.

Then turned on the hose, the kit came with an adaptor with a pressure
regulator, and waited for coolant to come out the back and front. Well it
came out the back for several minutes and then turned clear but it never
came out the radiator. I was following Erik Valeur instructions (which were
very helpful) and they stated to turn on the car after coolant started to
come out the radiator. It never did so I went ahead and started it and then
it came out. After it was clear both ends I turned off the car and the water
and took out the T piece and put the hose back together.

Drained the coolant tank of water and filled it with coolant, put the
bleeder screw in a little, angled the bus on the driveway so the front was
at least 4 inches higher then the rear. Had my friend hold the engine above
2000rpm as I continued to add coolant. Waited for no more air bubbles and
shut the bleeder bolt. Drove the van around the block and did it again. Let
it cool off and topped off the expansion tank and went for a half hour
drive.

The coolant temp stayed just a shy lower on the warning light then it ever
had and the rear heat is very nice. I was afraid to work on the coolant
because if I messed something up I couldn't drive it anywhere, but with the
help of the list, and reading the archives, it was easy.

Thanks,
Nathan Wood
85 Westy
74 Bus


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