Date:         Mon, 5 Oct 1998 20:37:09 -0700
Reply-To:     "Richard M. Myers" <myersr@SPAWAR.NAVY.MIL>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Richard M. Myers" <myersr@SPAWAR.NAVY.MIL>
Organization: SPAWAR Systems Center, Div. D714
Subject:      Re: Overheating
Comments: To: "John H. Rodgers" <inua@QUICKLINK.NET>
Comments: cc: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

John H. Rodgers wrote:

> -- [ From: John H. Rodgers * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --
>
> Just replaced my '85 GL with an '88 GL. The '88 is running hot. The '85GL
> never got hot except when Sstuck in traffic on the freeway on a very hot
> summer day, and then the temp needle never got past the coolant level
> warning light. And secondary cooling fans came on only very rarely.
>
> The '88 GL temp needle ALWAYS runs with the  the bottom edge of the needle
> parked touching the top edge of the coolant level warning light. As soon as
> the engine is started and begins to warm up, up the needle goes. It will
> often run with the temp needle slightly higher than that . And the secondary
> cooling fan cycles regularly. This is not good. Something is out whack, but
> what I just don't know. I haven't yet flushed the system. Just haven't been
> able to get to it yet. I replaced the pully belts, Hoped the new water pump
> belt would help. The old one was really in bad shape and loose. But hasn't
> seemd to help.
>
> I plan to replace the thermostat, but would like to run with out  a
> thermostat for just a bit. Anyone see any problems with that. I am ordering
> an OEM thermostat but need to run it while until the new 'stat gets here.
> Just don't want to damage anything.
>
> I am open to suggestions and comments.
>

Try an 80C thermostat and a new fan switch (on rad.).  The currently available
fan switches come on at a lower temp than the stock '88 switch did.  These will
help, but it's likely that the real problem is air in your cooling system.  Try
getting it bled by an experienced Vanagon mechanic.

Dick Myers