Date:         Sun, 27 Mar 2005 12:51:52 -0500
Reply-To:     Don in North Carolina <Don_Dixon@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don in North Carolina <Don_Dixon@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Cooling system maintenance
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=response

Now that the Syncro is gone (but not forgotten) I am turning my attention to
my '88 GL.  There is a minor leak in the cooling system expansion tank
(small crack) so I am going to replace that along with it's associated
hoses.  At the same time, I am going to replace all of the belts.

I have the belts off and the old tank out, and wondered if now would be a
good time to also change the water pump and thermostat.  The van runs warmer
than the '87 Syncro did, it normally runs about a needle width or so above
the LED.  I was thinking about changing the thermostat to try and lower this
temp (in case it isn't fully opening) and wondered about changing the water
pump as a preventative measure.  The thought here is that if the water pump
isn't providing the proper flow, it could increase the temperature.  I have
no history on this van's maintenance up to this point.  Water pump turns
smoothly, there doesn't appear to be any appreciable play in the shaft
(radial or axial).  No leaks from the tell tale.  Change it or leave well
enough alone?

So far, the only coolant I have drained is from the expansion tank and the
overflow tank, how much more would I need to drain to change the thermostat
and/or water pump?  The Bentley just has instructions on draining ALL of the
coolant, and I can't do that because I won't have anywhere to dispose of it
(before we get into the "pour it into the toilet" argument, my house is on a
septic tank - no can do!).

What is the WOTL on this???

Don in Reidsville, NC
1988 Vanagon GL (Sylvia)
"I reject your reality and substitute my own." - Adam Savage