Date:         Thu, 13 May 2004 01:01:07 -0700
Reply-To:     Doug in Calif <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doug in Calif <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
Subject:      Re: Draining the coolant system... ?
Comments: To: Mad and Ed <MadEd@gte.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

This Idea was posted before the problem with it is the rubber hoses will collapse under a vacuum.
You are better off using a Hudson sprayer type of system and pumping in the coolant in at 15psi like a power bleeder does for brake fluid.
You may be able to preheat the coolant and get the thermostat to open slightly to get more in. 
I am hanging tough that the Bentley manual is the ONLY proper way to do this in spite of what I have been reading about what other members are doing.
Many specific design elements of the vanagon cooling system are not being addressed in the battle of the replies for using these alternate methods.
One in reticular is the direction of flow through the heads is down hill if you lift the rear of the van, thereby increasing the chance of trapping air.
The Bentley procedure allows the flow through the water jacket and cylinder head to run uphill when you raise the front. 
The mere fact that no more air comes out is irrelevant as "trapped air" is called "trapped" because it cannot get out.

Doug

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Mad and Ed 
  To: Doug in Calif 
  Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 11:18 PM
  Subject: Re: Draining the coolant system... ?


  Hi,

  So I won't get in on the rant, just a question-- anyone ever try using 

  a vacuum pump (MityVAc) on the bleeder and use negative pressure?  
  Wonder if that would help?  Anyone feel like speculating?

  On Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at 17:24 US/Pacific, Doug in Calif wrote:

  > Imagine that, VW with their seemingly endless research and design team 
  > puts together a factory service manual procedure for purging the 
  > extremely long and complex cooling system of the vanagon.
  > And you simply turn the vanagon completely around the opposite way 
  > they recommend on your hill in your backyard, and behold, figure out 

  > an easier and better way to purge all the air out.
  >
  > Wow! now THAT'S SOME authority!

  Edward Lowe
  Seattle, WA
  82 Westy Diesel upgraded to 1.9lt. Turbo
  85 Golf Diesel 1.6lt NA
  92 Cabrio 1.8lt gas
  97 Passat Tdi