Date: Thu, 9 May 2013 23:04:52 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Thermostat gone bad??
In-Reply-To: <BAY401-EAS34EF3B774407B31852943AEA50@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
For the thermostat almost every local parts store will sell you the wrong stat. Why? Because the aftermarket stats are identified by the diameter of the top disc and weather it is a single or dual disc. As such you will get an Audi stat. The problem is that the vanagon uses a smaller lower disc that is also a different distance from the top disc as the Audi. So you need to be sure to get the correct one.
Running the engine for a few minutes the t-stat won't be doing anything yet. If the gauge reaches normal temperature and continues to climb then the t-stat may not be opening. If the engine never warms up it can be stuck open.
If the cooling system is tight and properly bled with a good cap pressure will rise quickly as the coolant in the engine will expand. This will quickly increase pressure until the cap releases it.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of william landsman
Sent: Thursday, May 9, 2013 10:47 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Thermostat gone bad??
Hello,
I can't believe it has been since April 23rd since my first post. We have had several more snow storms here in SD, finally starting to warm up!
Since my shed has no heat this warm weather has allowed me to get out a replace the alternator and the belt. Got everything put back together. (No small feat since I am pretty new to my own car maintenance).
Started it up and everything seemed fine, except I felt like it was getting warmer quicker than it had, this winter, but it was a lot colder. I idled it for a few minutes and drove it a 100 ft. Stopped it and checked the hoses. The hoses that came out of the thermostat housing seemed more bloated than I thought they should be. The one that goes to the distribution unit was warm to the touch and expanded more than I remember seeing before. But it might be that I just wasn't paying attention before, am I just being paranoid? I remember someone mentioning that the thermostat could have gone bad. Are there any tell tale signs of this?
i recently replaced the thermostat in my honda so I am confident I can do it. Any tips on how to collect coolant or minimize spillage? Also once I'm done does this procedure require a bleed of the coolant after I refill it?
Also any particular brand of thermostat. I will most likely go to NAPA or Advance Auto, very limited German auto parts stores where I live.
Thanks,
Bill
ðŸŽ
On Apr 23, 2013, at 12:45 PM, "william landsman" <unclebeer@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Hello,
> Today I was out driving (about 2 miles) and my alternator froze up and the belt broke.
> I took off belt and did not think about the water-pump being run by the same belt, "other stuff on my mind" regardless I drove another 1.5 miles and then it hit me. Pulled over immediately and turned engine off.
> Engine temp was still not up to normal operating temp as I had just started driving and it is currently below freezing where I live. The gauge was rising quickly before I shut it off in a safe location. Opened up engine compartment, I could hear water gurgling but nothing was spewing out anywhere and it had not hit a temp that caused the coolant to go from expansion tank to overflow tank.
> Here are my questions.
> 1. Have I ruined the motor...I did not see any coolant leaks anywhere.
> 2. What temperature do the GoWesty Melt tabs actually melt and where are they located. (Just had a new engine installed recently...)
> 3. If the heads fail, would they leak immediately?
>
> I will get alternator and belts replaced.
>
> 4. Is there anything I should watch out for when I do start it up next?
> Thanks for any advice.
> Regards,
> Bill
>
>
> ðŸŽ
