Date:         Sun, 28 Aug 2005 11:59:29 -0700
Reply-To:     Evan Mac Donald <macdonald1987@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Evan Mac Donald <macdonald1987@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Engine running hot
In-Reply-To:  <BAY102-F160B9636A739CC2F3E6253DCAC0@phx.gbl>
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Mathieu Bertrand <mathieux46@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:My 87 2.1l is running hot. By hot I mean that the temp. needle is just above the led. When I go up hills I have to put the front heater on to keep the needle around the led.

How can I tell if it is the thermostat, waterpump, air in the system or even a faulty temp sensor or gauge?
Is it OK to run at this temperature? My 86 2.1l never ran hot.

Thanks

Mat

Well, Mat, if the front heater manages to bring your temp back down, that USUALLY can lower the probabilities on the waterpump or air as culprits. It raises the probilities on thermostat, and really points to a plugged / restricted radiator. Maybe, if you are very lucky, and have lived a good life, it will just be dirt in the fins of the radiator, or maybe the A/C condenser. Best bet is the rad is just old and full of crud. Try a flush, and see if that cures you. If not, then maybe you will need a radiator. Troubleshooting is the key to avoiding wholesale replacements of non-broken bits and pieces!




Evan Mac Donald

1984 Wolfburg
1985 GL 7 Pass.
1991 Carat Weekender