Date:         Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:15:14 -0400
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Drafting (was Re: Engine to auto-tranny match and the Indy 500
Comments: To: mark drillock <mdrillock@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed; delsp=no

I got a new temp switch, the one that comes on at a slightly lower temp.
The camper is a '91, with a rebuilt 2.1 that now has 30k miles.  A
radiator tech was going to "rod out" my radiator, but we found it was
leaking a bit, and so just bought a new one.

Some have told me that the needle should "hide" the led under "normal"
running.  Mine has never done that.  It's always above, with a slight
space between the led and the needle.


On Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 7:53 PM , mark drillock wrote:

> Dave, I think you will find the new radiator helps the temp needle
> stay toward the middle even on long grades.
>
> I don't see where you have mentioned the year of your van but you
> should perhaps get a new radiator fan temp switch to go with the new
> rad. The original switch used in 1.9 models is too slow to react and
> the later 2.1 switch is all I use any more.
>
> Another thing is to add a manual switch to kick the fan on to high
> speed when driving in warm weather up a long grade. Not as needed with
> a new radiator and later 2.1 temp switch.
>
> If any of my vans read more than a needle width or two above the led
> going up a long hill I know it is time to fix something. Either the
> fan is not working properly or it is time for a new radiator.
>
> Mark
>
>
> Dave Mcneely wrote:
>> I'm new to my camper.  I've read the manual, and know that for the
>> temp needle to rise well above the led bulb is considered "normal."
>> On long grades in hot weather, the needle approaches, and even
>> touches, the next higher white line ("7/8" line).  I pull over, and
>> try to do that before the needle reaches the line.  I don't think I'm
>> being over cautious. Others have described similar behavior to me.
>>
>> right now, I'm getting a new radiator -- maybe I needed it, maybe I
>> didn't.  I don't like to waste money.
>>
>> Are you telling me that if the needle approaches the 7/8 line, and
>> the temp warning light is not flashing, I should just keep going?
>> Hmmmm........ .
>>
>>