Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 20:57:07 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 87 Westy overheating after coolant change
In-Reply-To: <CAHQe0n4U8btdsJnzmqMyqszeSBG4SEaDiuZAU=cVc6oS22AaVw@mail.gmail.com>
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The engine not coming up to temperature does indicate a bad thermostat or more likely the wrong t-stat. You need to make sure that the gauge is working properly. Check the archives for comments on this. T-stats from a parts store will usually be the wrong one as the parts books only reference the diameter of the top housing, not the lower or bypass disc. The wrong disc will get stuck in the housing. Then be careful of brand. Go for a Whaler. You want a stat with the rubber seal on the top disc and no bypass or bleed port. You will also need to test coolant flow and radiator fan operation.
Now for that leak at the coolant pipe. Is the pipe cracked or splitting at the hose connection? This is a sign of previous overheating events. The right pipe usually goes first as it carries the hottest coolant from the engine to the radiator. If it is splitting the correct fix is a new pipe set. There are a number of stainless steel options available as the OEM plastic is not. Then you also want to use the proper hose clamps. The factory changed to spring type (constant tension) as fixed clamps damage hoses. The next time that 2 clamp fix will separate will be on the highway far from home.
Next question is why would you test the cooling system to 20 psi? While that pressure is a great test of system integrity it is a great way to bring on radiator and heater core failures. There is no reason to go higher than the cap will relieve pressure and that should be 14-16 psi at most.
Good luck.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Kevin Duvernay
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2014 5:26 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 87 Westy overheating after coolant change
Hey guys, first post here hoping to get some help troubleshooting my new (to me) westy.
I received the gowesty coolant pressurization pump this week and today went to test it out. I tested the cap, it passed. Then I followed the instructions for checking for leaks and pressured up the system to 20PSI.
BOOM, a leak sprung at one of the junctions between the plastic coolant pipe and rubber hose, the one at the rear that does not angle up.
So I drained the coolant using the shop vac technique (removed the radiator bleed screw and sucked as much coolant as I could out the pressurized coolant reservoir).
Then I installed 2 new hose clamps around the leaking junction.
Then I refilled the system and bleed it with the pump according to gowestys instructions. It took 2 gallons of 50/50 mix which is roughly about what I was able to suck out. I think probably 2-3 gallons is what was taken out of the system between the leak and the shop vac sucking.
Now after starting and letting warm up the overflow tank is REALLY full and the van got up to half way up the temp gauge from 10 min of idle (its never been more than about 1/4 of the way up before.
Any ideas?
