Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:00:03 -0500
Reply-To: phishman068@GMAIL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Craig Cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE/Running Cold?
In-Reply-To: <CAC5wCwgY0eK12OggQ23q1_TQ1J8xx2iwgYq6iS8_2kHW+Yc-kg@mail.gmail.com>
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Hmm.... It is an aftermarket thermostat but stock temp and speced for the Vanagon. It was stamped Germany and the club installed it, getting the seal of approval by several members.
It also did operate as expected, and it works fine up to 60mph.
Odd....
-craig
On Jan 24, 2013, at 2:18 PM, David Milo <dellaone@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> From a post on 12/12/12 from Dennis Haynes: What are you referring to as
> high temperature? The stock Thermostat rating is 87C, (188F). That is
> plenty and should be used all year. From experience, the most consistent
> acting and best response are the ones from the dealer. (???). Of the
> features of the part the top control disc has a rubber gasket to ensure no
> leak by when it is closed. Next choice would be the Wahler, (German). I
> have had some Mehle that fit but they may be coming from unknown sources.
> If you do go to a parts store, almost all will sell you the wrong stat. The
> lower disc will be the wrong diameter. If the listing includes some Audi or
> other vehicles it is wrong.
> The confusion comes from the practice that T-stats get listed for vehicles
> based on just a few specifications. Usually the top housing diameter is the
> key. Vlave types, bypasses, bleeds, lengths and other features get lost.
> This is a real problem even in American vehicles, trucks, RV's that need
> stats with more flow and thus use a different design such as umbrella
> instead of disc. The wrong stat may jam partly open and/or not open far
> enough for proper cooling.
>
> Dave Milo
>
> On Thu, Jan 24, 2013 at 2:10 PM, David Milo <dellaone@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Aftermarket thermostat? Could be malfunctioning. I have read many times
>> from Dennis Haynes that most aftermarket thermostats do not fit or operate
>> properly. Extreme conditions could exacerbate that.
>>
>> Dave Milo
>>
>> On Thu, Jan 24, 2013 at 1:23 PM, Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I am reluctant to reply to this Craig but is it possible, even at 15deg,
>>> that it's just because it's cold?
>>>
>>> Gertie runs the temp gauge dead on center - consistantly, until this week
>>> -
>>> it's been very cold here this week ranging from about 2deg to 15 or so -
>>> the needle is running at about 1/4 - 1/3 and cabin heat is there but not
>>> as it was. Again, I could be talking out my backside but it sort of made
>>> sense to me - thinking about trying the cardboard trick myself just to see
>>> if it helps.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Jeff
>>> '85 GL (Gertie)
>>> '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus
>>
>>
