Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2005 11:32:53 -0600
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: Engine Still Overheating - Need Advice / Chapter Three
In-Reply-To: <002601c51c16$d12ea340$6400a8c0@t41>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Larry, I had a similar problem to this, and two brand-new-in-the-box
thermostats in a row were bad. Be sure the replacement thermostats are
from a reliable source - ie our most reliable list vendors or a VW
dealer parts place. I have found some after market thermostats from
FLAPS don't fit or are not configured just right for the Vanagon system.
A themostat that opens only partially will result in overheating at
higher loads, so having a proper thermostat is key.
Remove the 'Stat, run without it. It will not really hurt the engine to
slowly run it up to highway speed if the stat is not in place. Not a
good thing to do on a regular basis but for a test it will work ok
unless you are in one of the country's more frigid zones. The engine
will run warmer at highway speeds, but not get all the way up to temp.
If ther engine runs OK, put in a new 'stat.
Once a proper 'stat is installed, get someone to use an infra-red heat
sensor gun and idle the engine until the "gun" indicates the thermostat
is opening. Allow to idle until the cooling fan begins to cycle on and
off. Then sweep the cooling system for hot and cold spots. You may be
able to pin point the problem that way.
Good luck with this. I know this problem can be aggravating.
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Chelsea, AL
Larry Chase wrote:
>Volks
>
>Troubleshooters extraordinaire ... Here's a good one.
>
>Sorry ... Kinda long.
>
>Roadhaus is still overheating.
>
>Picked the "Haus" up from the shop in Phoenix.
>
>We all thought the Overheating problems had been Fixed.
>
>Although I had several minor components replaced ... The major
> offender was a "impaired" Radiator.
>
>Replaced it with a new Behr unit.
>
>The shop did several idle and around town road tests. All
>seemed fine. Running temps were a "temp gauge needle" width
>lower than previous ... what one might expect with a new Radiator.
>
>Said my goodbyes and headed home.
>
>Jumped on the Freeway for a 90 miles drive from Phx to Tucson.
>After a short distance I stopped at REI for a few minutes.
>
>When I stated the haus up to leave ... The coolant led was on.
>
>Checked the fill bottle and a small amount of coolant had been
>pushed out and the bottle was full to the top. The Overflow
>Bottle was nearly empty. The engine temps were still good
>and hadn't increased at all.
>
>Since the shop was now closed I decided to try and make my
>way back to Tucson ... Keeping a careful and constant eye on
>the temp gauge.
>
>As soon as I get the speed up over 45-50 MPH the engine began
>overheating.
>
>Overflow bottle emptied and fill bottle filled to top.
>If I keep the speed down to 45 and below ... It doesn't
>boil over and engine temps stay normal.
>If I load the engine more and/or increase speed .... Engine
>temps increase to high levels and fill bottle begins to boil
>over.
>
>Summary of Repair, Check and Replace Activities:
>
>Fan - Checked / OK
>Resistor - Checked / OK
>Fuse for Fan - Checked / OK
>Combustion Gasses in cooling system checked - Checked / OK
>Water Pump - Checked / OK
>Thermo Switch Wire - Checked / OK
>Thermo Switch - Replaced
>Plastic Bleeder Ring - Replaced
>Pressure Cap - Replaced
>Overflow Bottle Cap - Replaced
>Thermostat - Replaced Twice
>Radiator - Replaced
>
>No evidence of water in the oil
>No visual evidence of water in exhaust
>
>For anyone that's interested ... Here the two previous
>Postings I made about this problem.
>
>Archive Links:
>
>Engine overheating - Need Advice
>
>http://tinyurl.com/5zhqh
>
>Update on Engine Overheating Concern
>
>http://tinyurl.com/6bwdl
>
>
>Suggestions on where to go from here would be most welome.
>
>Larry Chase
>www.roadhaus.com
>
>
>
>
