Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2006 19:38:39 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: 87 Vanagon Engine Overheating problems
In-Reply-To: <BB26372F6F9CB34CADC7D8148D60B5C650C4DE@TEC-CORREO.itcr.ac.cr>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Three times I have had thermostat problems with my van - two of which
were overheating problems. /time #1 - bad thermostat. It would not open
when the engine warmed up - caused the engine to overheat. . Replaced
it, cooling system went back to normal operation./time#2 - bad
thermostat - engine would not warm up. Thermostat seized in open
position. Replaced thermostat and that triggered /time#3 - new
thermostat came from NAPA. Turns out you really have to be careful of
where you get thermostats. Even though their spec book said the NAPA
stat worked in Vanagons, fact was, it didn't. Wouldn't open properly,
and caused the engine to overheat. Solution: got a genuine VW r
thermostat from my local VW dealer and had no problems. Engine ran as it
should.
I would suggest that you remove the thermostat completely and run
without it for a bit. This will definitively show whether you have a
stat problem or a cooling problem elsewhere - like a plugged radiatior
or hose. This is a simple test and will get you on the road to a solution.
One other thing. Burp the cooling system again. Be absolutely sure you
don't have air in the system.
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Edwin Francisco Canessa Amador wrote:
> I have an 87 Vanagon (manual transmission) since 1991 and I still love it.
> It has been 3 years already since overheating problems started. Engine has
> been rebuilt (about a year ago) and the problem still continues. I have
> changed most parts related to the cooling system (thermostat, temperature
> sensors 1 & 2, coolant distributor, water pump, expansion tank, several tubes
> and pipes that looked oxidized or about to be perforated) almost everything
> except the radiator (original), although it has been examined and tested. In
> order to maintain engine temperature to its upper limit, the radiator fan and
> the heating system have to be running and on all the time, which makes
> driving very uncomfortable. Does anybody have experienced the same problem? I
> have to acknowledge my ignorance related to car engines and mechanics so I
> cannot be more specific so far. Any suggestions, comments, advice, will be
> most welcome.
>
>
>
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