Date: Fri, 22 Jul 2016 00:33:56 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 1991 Carat - the drama continues
In-Reply-To: <BAY405-EAS29642407E19B1939C75735AA00A0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I figured the coolant should be tested after runnng a bit. It only got
about two hours of running on plain water. Agree that wasn't the best in my
opinion but that is what was done. I went to the shop, backed the car up a
good slope, loosed the bottom radiator hose and drained the system. Used my
coolant filler bong and filled it 'til I got a good flow oxf antifreeze
from the air bleed on top of the radiator, then closed it up. (And BTW,
every Vanagon owner should make himself a coolant filler bong. Those things
are slicker'n owl dung on a log!!! Easy to make.) The heater valves were
open while doing all this. After closing the bleeder, the fill tank in the
rear only accepted about another quart of coolant. Cranked it up and let it
run. It was obviously full. I got a few fine bubbles in the return to the
tank then they stopped. Satisfied it was OK, I took to the road for a test
run on the highway, and that is when I discovered the oil pressure switch
problem.
Will run it a bit, then check the antifreeze for correct density and adjust
accordingly.
John
On Jul 21, 2016 22:13, "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Straight water for testing? Two issues. Now after some run time you need
> to test the coolant mixture. It is doubtful you got all the water out and
> the mixture is likely too weak to provide adequate freeze-boil over
> protection.
> More important, fresh, untreated water is loaded with undissolved oxygen.
> Without the coolant it will also form micro vapor bubbles. Heated this
> combination will cause corrosion and erosion of the cylinder walls,
> (luckily they are beefy) and pit the head studs very quickly. I have seen
> many an engine (even American Iron) destroyed from straight water. It is
> just a bad practice. Simply pumping the system with some air will be test
> enough that a hose wasn't left off before filling a cooling system.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of John Rodgers
> Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2016 10:59 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: 1991 Carat - the drama continues
>
> Finnaly got the new engine installed, tested and everything seemed to run
> fine. Water was used for cooling while testing. Drained it out today,
> dragged out my bong filling devise, and proceeded to fill the system with
> 50/50 mix of glycol and water. Once filled, I took it out on Interstate 20
> eat of birmingham for a test run. Couldn't have asked fo better
> performance. As I rxited the highway at a cloverleave, my heart sank! As
> the van slowed the oil light came on with the warning horn. What tne heck!
>
> There was a big grassy area in the cloverleaf, and I coasted to stop out
> in it. I was puzzled. I waited a few minutes, then started again. Goosed
> the throttle up a bit, and as the rpm dropped the oil light came on again
> an the horn sounded. Little bells started ringing. I thought, lets try this
> again, but take the rpm to 3000 rpm. I started the engine, held at 3000,
> and the oil lighT DID NOT come on.as I let off on the gas, and as the rpm
> hit 2200, the alarm sounded and the light came on. Aha, I thought, I've got
> you now! Dynamic oil pressure fault. Started the engine, held it at idle -
> no light and alarm. Push the rpm to2000 and held, still no alarm an light.
> Increased rpm to 2500, no alarm, no light. Let off on the gas and whenn
> the rpm dropped to 2200 the light came on and the ala3rm sounded.
> Definitely that dynamic oil pressure system! Drove it back to the shop at
> 2000 rpm and under. No problem, no light, no alarm.
>
> Tomorrow it gets a new switch!
>
> Hopefully the vehicle will be ready then for the rest of it's restoration
>
> John
>
|