Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2002 10:36:04 -0700
Reply-To: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject: Re: '87 Transporter Overheating - Second Try
Never assume that because a part, especially an electrical part, is new,
that it is good. If the fan comes on when you jump it, you're almost
certainly looking at a bad switch.
Karl Wolz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig Bodie" <cbodie2000@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2002 10:25 AM
Subject: '87 Transporter Overheating - Second Try
> Webster defines guru as a mentor, therefore I'm not a Vanagon guru by any
means.
>
> In my quest for learning how to cool my '87 GL Transporter, I have found
some interesting characteristics which may help in a solution.
>
> The vehicle has around 135k miles on it. The heads have been repaired less
than a year ago.
>
> While sitting still in my driveway the vehicle gets hot enough to boil the
coolant. My thermoswitch is operational, but seems that only the low speed
activates (85C) with short time duration even when the temperature gage
approaches the upper limits, way past the expansion tank level warning
light. I can jump the thermoswitch, activating the high speed fan mode, and
increase the rpms to get good water pump flow, then the van will cool while
sitting. Since the temperature gage sensor is in the back it measures more
accurately the temperature of the motor, while the thermoswitch measures the
radiator temperature.
>
> Sounds like the thermoswitch isn't getting a accurate measurement,
therefore isn't working as it should. Thermoswitch is good (new). Water pump
seems good. Heads are good.
>
> Radiator: Sounds like a cool spot on the radiator. If this sounds logical,
does this entail replacing the radiator?
>
> Thermostat: What are the symptoms of a poor thermostat?
>
> Bleeding system: It most likely could use a bleeding after my thermoswitch
replacement, but I don't wanna become a Vanagon bleeding expert by
repeatedly bleeding the system as I replace components. Especially if this
information helps in pinpointing a possible root cause other than just
bleeding the system.
>
> Summer's coming, and S. Carolina won't be friendly to the VW Vanagon.
>
> Suggestions/Comments/Help?
>
> Craig
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
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