Date:         Tue, 13 Sep 2005 16:30:55 -0400
Reply-To:     Howard.Allen@FAIRCHILDSEMI.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Howard Allen <Howard.Allen@FAIRCHILDSEMI.COM>
Subject:      Cooling system questions for 1.9L
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Wish I had an aircooled but since I don't I would like to get as much
information about my "new" watercooled baby.  Talking with a long-time
1.9L VW van owner the following opinions were expressed.  Would appreciate
the List's feedback.

1. The fan sensor switch is too low in the radiator to do a good job
preventing overheating during low speed travel [therefore install a manual
override switch]?
2. The water pump does not flow enough coolant during idling in stop and
go driving [this guy installed a smaller pulley onto the waterpump shaft -
is this recommended?].
3.  Radiator cooling capacity is insufficient during high ambient temps
while endeavoring to climb 7% or greater grades [therefore install a
larger radiator]?
4.  Highway speeds of greater than 65 MPH will result in headgasket
failure caused by overheating?
5.  The factory temperature guage is not a reliable indicator of
dangerously high coolant temperature - anything past half way actually
indicates an over temp condition that should be addressed by pulling over
and shutting down the engine immediately?

Best Regards
Howard Allen
S. Portland, Maine

"Don't tread on me."