Date: Fri, 6 Oct 2023 12:56:44 -0700
Reply-To: Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 87 Westfalia - Running hot?
In-Reply-To: <CAK9Aa+nM0KWW9nrr8cK2ywk3Jzt0xE3Tx2XdpEM7sYcRvjVZQw@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Here are my observations regarding coolant temp and coolant gauge...
Before the rebuild of the 2.1 WBX, the temp gauge sits right on top of the
LED, no higher, driving hard or not, it has a 80°C thermostat...
https://vancafe.com/vanagon-thermostat---80-degree-lower-than-stock-temp-bundle/
After the rebuild, the temp gauge sits about 1mm or 2mm over the LED. When
rebuilding the engine the mechanic replaced the thermostat, it's a
87°C thermostat...
https://vancafe.com/vanagon-thermostat---87-degree-stock-temperature/
Everything is fine knowing that the thermostat takes longer to open, and I
get used to it. I will replace it with a 80°C on the next coolant flush.
On Fri, Oct 6, 2023 at 11:22 AM Bruce Todd <beeceetee@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Mike - I was holding out for other folks to chime in. Given what you
> have done so far air seems less of a factor - imo.
>
> I take it the fan is working at all stages or speeds? You did say the fan
> came on when you were travelling slowly uphill but I am wondering if the
> high speed setting kicked in?
>
> If you haven’t looked into it already - GoWesty has some good info on the
> workings of the cooling system and also the coolant temp sensor and some
> troubleshooting tips. There is some info on high reading gauges and
> calibration.
>
>
>
> Bruce
>
> On Friday, October 6, 2023, Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > I looked at the list and saw my reply to Bruce Todd CCd to the list got
> > converted to a string of ASCII. So - I'll send this direct and see what
> > happens. Stan suggested that I need to compare the input and output end
> of
> > the catalytic converter, which I will do.
> >
> > >>>>
> >
> > Thanks for the suggestions.
> >
> > I went for a drive, outside temps in the high 50s Came back with the temp
> > gauge reading just above the LED. The catalytic converter read 430-500°
> at
> > various spots. The exhaust pipe going into it read 470° and the OEM
> > muffler 180-200°.
> >
> > Raised the front a few inches and let things cool down a bit. The inside
> > coolant tank is full, the overflow tank at the Max level. Started the
> > engine and opened the bleeder valve on the radiator. Immediately started
> > dribbling fluid, no sign of air. Ran up the engine, came back around
> > front, still coolant coming out so I closed it down.
> >
> > Used the IR thermometer to check various temps as the gauge ran up to
> > above the LED.
> >
> > Top of the radiator, about 115 on the passenger side, 110 on the drivers
> > side. In the engine compartment, looking towards the front the hoses
> > coming into and out of the thermostat housing read about 190, except for
> > the large one on the lower left, about 200°.
> >
> > The top of the thermostat housing read about 125°. The water pump at the
> > bearing read 185°
> >
> > Now the temp gauge at about 7/8ths.
> >
> > Radiator fan came on, top of radiator near bleed screw read 150, but
> > dropped quickly back to 120°, lower on the drivers side. Cracked the
> > bleeder valve, immediately squirting coolant, closed it back.
> >
> > It’s interesting that the coolant temps in the engine compartment are
> > reading 190ish and the water pump housing a bit below that while the temp
> > gauge on the dash is reading about 7/8. I didn’t get under the engine to
> > see what the bottom of the thermostat housing near the sender was
> reading.
> >
> > Is any of this useful?
> >
> > Mike Finkbiner
> > mike_l_f@hotmail.com
> >
> > Civilization is not something inborn or imperishable; it must be acquired
> > anew by every generation.
> >
> > - Will Durant
> >
>
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