Date:         Mon, 21 Jun 1999 16:02:09 -0700
Reply-To:     Coby Smolens <cobys@WELL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Coby Smolens <cobys@WELL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 1984 Vanagon....overheating
In-Reply-To:  <9124215B00BAD211B9F900105A18D276205C29@musashi.andromedia.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

First - check the cap on the main reservoir. It should hold 14.5 PSI. If
not, replace it, retest.
If it does, get it checked for hydrocarbon in the cooling system. You can
get a chemical "block test kit" from NAPA, or any decent parts store. Follow
the directions, suck air out of the main reservoir. NOTE: The "overheat"
light won't come on until coolant level in the main reservoir drops below
the prongs of the level sensor, or until engine temp reaches critical level.
Doesn't sound like the van is getting that hot. Also the radiator fan not
coming on is an indication that the fan switch at the radiator is not
reaching kick-in temperature, which doesn't suggest overheating, especially
if coolant flow to the front is OK (ie. - the radiator filled to the top and
you were getting warm coolant out the bleeder plug). Check the actual engine
temp with a good thermometer, perform the block test. Good luck!

Coby Smolens, Owner
Valley Wagonworks
"Intimately acquainted with VW Vans since 1959"
1535 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Phone: (415) 457-5628
Fax: (415) 457-0967
http//:wagonworks.com
mailto:contact@wagonworks.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Ron Lussier
Sent: Friday, June 18, 1999 10:26 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: FW: 1984 Vanagon....overheating


Can anyone help this guy?  Reply to the list and bassace@execpc.com.
Thanks.

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Kangas [mailto:bassace@execpc.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 17, 1999 7:52 PM
To: Ron Lussier
Subject: Re: 1984 Vanagon....overheating


Well Ron, I'm not sure what a tell tale sign a of a head gasket leak would
be. Honestly though I don't think that's where the problem lies. It appears
that I don't get circulation through the water jacket. I just had a new
thermostat installed. I drove for about 3 miles ,from the garage that did
the work, and water started spewing out from the fill tank. My light for
overheating was not on , although it did come on shortly after.
    I let it cool for a few days, myself as well, and then tok a look at it.
    I filled the over flow and let it run idle for about 15 mins. and then
bled the radiator. I followed instructions in the manual, except for the
raising the front end 15 in. I overlooked that part.
    After topping off again after bleeding the rad. ,the engine started
spewing out through the fill tank again. I did check to see if the fan was
on behind the rad and it was not. My overheat light did not come on as well.
Is it just the fan?
    Please respond and thank you very much for your previous suggestions.