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Date:         Mon, 7 Oct 1996 22:02:14 -0400
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Onebigduke@aol.com
Subject:      I need help with an overheating 2.0

Howdy, Some of you may remember me, my name is Clay Perry and I dropped off the list last April when I changed companies and lost the gratis net connection. I have a major problem with my 78 and I need the expert advice of this group.

The problem- New rebuilt 2.0 overheats quickly topping 210 in five flat miles, timing has been checked and the advance verified, the FI is in specs and not running lean, the oil cooler swapped and the flaps checked to verify opening and closing. What else could it be? For more details and the whole story read on.

A bit of history- I purchased a 78 westy with a fried clutch, and decided that what I wanted was a good reliable system to drag around the mountains so I opted to replace the engine and transmission with rebuilds. I bought the transmission from Trans Form and after checking around the engine came from Mark Stephens. After installing the engine everything worked great but the van would not go farther than five miles, either freeway or city without the temperature climbing past 210. I checked the timing several times and disconnected the thermostat so that it was always blowing air over the cooler. I finally took it to a local shop and had them test the injection mixture and see if it was running lean. It proved to be a bit rich. I had them check the timing and verify that I installed the engine correctly. We decided to change the oil again ( I had changed it before) and found a ton of metal in the oil. I called Mark Stephens sales guy, Bill and he said “ sounds like a problem send it back pronto” we pulled the motor rushed it off where it sat for three weeks (did I mention the kept my core deposit for 120 days) they tested the motor by putting it on a test stand running to check the oil pressure at different temperatures and checked the compression. They sent me a video tape showing the motor running and what the gauges said with plenty of condescending attitude mixed in. The metal in the oil was explained as bits from a billet cam gear wearing in. I said “fine if you say it is OK send it back” so I waited another week and half before calling again to hear “ we didn’t ship it because we have been busy, and by the way you owe us $220 for the evaluation” I said “you guys told me to sent it and you never mentioned a charge, besides what did you do?” of course they held out and shipped it COD so I couldn’t even sic VISA on them. The engine has arrived, the oil cooler is swapped the timing checked and the fuel injection adjusted, still this motor runs for five minutes and overheats.

What do I do now? I would appreciate any advise, and if you want the uncensored opinion of Mark Stephens motors E-mail me direct.

Clay


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