Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 01:43:37 -0500
Reply-To: EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject: Re: Overheating 2.1L Questions
In-Reply-To: <7d626b19.3637c585@aol.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Check for compression leaking into the cooling system.
Also check for vacuum leaks. Make sure the engine oil is not over
filled. Lastly The cooling system must be bleed completely to
stabilize the temp. Running it for up to 4 weeks without ever
opening the system maybe nessasary. This will force the ssytem
to automaticly bleed the last bit of air out.
Eric 86-VW4x4
vw4x4@fyi.net 72-240z
Pittsburgh, PA USA 1936-Chrysler
On Wed, 28 Oct 1998, Paul Kirsch wrote:
> My 90 Vanagon is overheating and I can't figure it out. When I bought it
> recently, it overheated on the way home. I tried replacing the thermostat and
> bleeding the cooling system, then having the radiator cleaned and tested.
> This had no effect.
>
> By overheating, I mean that the temperature guage would climb well past
> halfway with no sign of stopping unless the heaters were being used. Only on
> my first ride did the overheat indicator light come on. Using the heaters
> would stabilize the temperature a little above the halfway point.
>
> I decided that the engine should be repaired or replaced. The heads were
> showing signs of leaking. I figured that either cooling holes were plugged
> with sealant fom a previous head gasket/epoxy job or that combustion gasses
> were entering the cooling system. However, there was no sign ov coolant loss
> or boilover.
>
> When I fired up the used engine I installed, the temperature guage rose to the
> same indication of too hot. I replaced the temperature sensor. This could be
> a case of killing the bearer of bad news. (At this point and in subsequent
> attempts to correct the problem, I bled the cooling system.) Still no
> improvement. I sensed failure. In the morning I discovered leakage of
> coolant from the left head. I confirmed failure.
>
> Does anyone knows how the cooling system can be corrected. I realize the
> heads need work, but I would like to know the cooling system is OK before I
> attempt any more repairs.
>
> Everything I have done to this van has had no effect on cooling. I replaced
> the radiator with one from my parts van, I flushed the radiator return line
> with a hose, I tested the original thermostat in boiling water and reinstalled
> it.
>
> Currently, as the engine warms, the cooling line to the radiator warms, the
> right side of the radiator warms, the left side of the radiator stays cool,
> the coolant return line stays cool right up to the thermostat and the
> temperature guage says HOT. The radiator fan comes on appropriately.
>
> Shouldn't the coolant return line be at least warm on an overheating engine?
> Can leaking heads cause this overheating? Could this just be the temperature
> guage malfunctioning? If so, what is the best way to diagnose this?
> Is there anything else I'm overlooking?
>
>
> Thanks, Paul
>
> <A HREF="PKirsch461@aol.com">PKirsch461@aol.com</A>
>
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