Date: Thu, 24 May 2012 18:20:17 -0700
Reply-To: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM>
Subject: Re: Low Temp Radiator Thermo Switch "Better"?
In-Reply-To: <CAB2RwfgqNYBzLz=XWSXSKV9E15_Vi12kRv32faqhRcBnU1BPDA@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Radiators have gotten cheap enough that it doesn't make much sense to buy used. I replaced mine a couple years ago when I noticed that the van was taking a long time cooling down after cresting hills.
Karl Wolz
Sent from my electronic umbilicus
On May 24, 2012, at 5:38 PM, neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Yah I'd anticipated a rad job. Found a used one with 35K km's on it
> just recently along with a few other 2.1 Digifant parts.
>
> The rad currently installed may well be the original part.
>
> Of note, pulled the thermostat. (off shore FLAPS type) Tested it and
> new "Made in Germany" Thermostat. Both opened and closed at the same
> time and likely the same rate. (the steam makes it hard to see!). I
> had suspected the FLAPS thermostat mightt not be opening properly all
> the time. This test is by now means accurate, but the interesting part
> for me was to note that the FLAPS thermostat *appeared* to have a
> larger opening when both heated to a boil.
>
> Neil.
>
> On 5/24/12, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
>> ---- David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
>>>
>>> The cooling system has quirks and way too many hoses, but it seems
>>> massively overbuilt. The radiator (to me) seems sized for a much
>>> larger engine than it is actually cooling. I don't think the people
>>> putting in 3-litre Subaru engines or turbo Bostigs have problems with
>>> cooling capacity. I really think that most cooling issues arise from
>>> gummed-up radiators that are overdue for replacement.
>
>> My '91 camper with stock 2.1 engine overheated regularly both on grades and
>> in town until I replaced the radiator. I had done all sorts of tweaks to
>> the cooling system, some of which probably were not needed. Replaced the
>> radiator, overheating problem gone.
>>
>> McNeely
>>
>
>
> --
> Neil n
>
> 65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp
>
> '88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.
>
> '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco" http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
> Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines