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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


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