Date:         Thu, 30 Sep 2004 10:36:43 -0600
Reply-To:     jimt <wetwesty@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jimt <wetwesty@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Subject:      Re: T3 -Radiator removal question?
Comments: To: Ceeberjeebers@AOL.COM
In-Reply-To:  <15c.3f724e4e.2e8d87ec@aol.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"

On 9/30/04 10:01 AM, "Christopher Brooks" <Ceeberjeebers@AOL.COM> wrote:

> Hey all, I checked the archives but didn't find exactly what I was looking
> for.
> 
> I am going to remove my radiator to check for blockage, cracks , etc..
> 
> I haven't had the radiator fan come on in over a year, and my van overheats
> in traffic (time+idle+no forward movement). The fan works, the switch works,
> the system is bled properly, and after a 30 minute drive in 90 degree heat,
> the
> radiator is about 100 degrees..
> 
> I suspect there is some major blockage in there...
> 
> I want to try and clamp off the input and output hoses with my ez
> clamp-do-jobs so the system all the coolant doesn't just flow out.
> 
> **Is this feasible? Has anyone else ever successfully clamped off the hoses?
> Also, how much coolant should I be prepared to have come out of the radiator
> (non -A/C model)? Should I park the van on a steep driveway (nose up) to help
> keep the coolant from draining out the front? Am I just doomed to let all the
> coolant drain? ;)
> 
> TIA, after being an Air cooled nut for so long, I think I am just scared by
> the mysterious water cooled system;)
> 
> C.B.
> 
> 
If it has been that long I suspect the hoses are shot as well.  Replace then
as you do the job.  As for the hoses to block flow while working, they may
crack when you clamp them as that is a real sharp bend for that hose to make
at the edges of the clamp area.  There is also a resistor bank that could be
in a couple locations.  The normal one is up near the drivers side headlight
assembly.  But if the rad is only reaching 100 then I highly suspect you are
correct and it is time for a new radiatorl
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
jimt
Planned insanity is best.
Remember that sanity is optional.
http://www.tactical-bus.info (tech info)
http://www.westydriver.com