Date:         Wed, 15 Nov 2006 15:47:37 -0500
Reply-To:     neil <goofymuso@YAHOO.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         neil <goofymuso@YAHOO.CA>
Subject:      Re: Aircooled Vanagons
Comments: To: Conrad Klahn <conradk@MAC.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <6D6E8528-328D-4033-8D76-0751D464997B@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

I recently installed a head temp sensor on my 81 AC.
It read 350-475(475 on hills) on a recent trip in mild
weather. I've replaced the engine seal, and have
brought rest of engine up to snuff (as best I can w/o
dealing with internals). It runs well and I'm
confident that this engine won't overheat. But.....

An external cooler can't hurt, especially in hotter
climes. Since this van was made for travel, and is
heavier (Westy) it might make sense to install a
cooler. Regardless these engines work fine stock IF
properly maintained. i.e. I didn't realize just how
important the engine seal was (thanks list) to keeping
the engine within safe temps.

For now the expense of adding a cooler isn't
warranted. Who knows, if I travel to much hotter
climes, I may install a cooler. But if it doesn't over
heat, then no need IMHO. Besides I may just end up
being the neighborhood nutter who puts in an AZZ-TD or
Subie in his AC van.

(need a dang-diddly-o-dry garage first. These
carport-capers just aren't cutting it with this
sideways rain! And am I nuts to be thinking of selling
and moving to a place with a proper 2 car garage/shop
just because I own and work on a Vanagon????)

Cheers but not nuts,

Neil.



--- Conrad Klahn <conradk@MAC.COM> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I have an aircooled Vanagon in need of a rebuild.
> I'm sure I have
> been hell on this thing per Bob's comments - but it
> has never broken
> down on me. All I want is to go 55 up a 30 degree
> grade, which I know
> would require a miracle and a 55 MPH tail wind.
>
> I was recently discouraged from Jake Raby's rant on
> Aircooled
> Vanagons. So I know that there are people with all
> sorts of opinions,
> even from those that know more than me. However, I
> do think an
> additional oil cooler and ceramic coating offset
> many of the pitfalls
> of this design.
>
> Conrad
>


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