Date:         Sat, 25 Dec 1999 12:15:24 EST
Reply-To:     Gary McEachern <glmce@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gary McEachern <glmce@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      overheating questions
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Hello
I'm buying an '87 Wolfy with 107,000 miles that has an overheating problem.
The current owner says the engine overheats in about 20 minutes.

A local list member kindly went and inspected the vehicle for me but was
unable to take a test drive. The cooling system currently has clean orange
colored antifreeze in it. ?? The oil is dirty but does not appear to be
contaminated with coolant. No serious oil or coolant leaks are evident.

I first plan to check(fill/bleed) the cooling system and then replace the
thermostat. I suspect that with a functioning waterpump, a good thermostat
and a properly filled cooling system, the engine would not tend to overheat
in the colder weather provided the radiator/heater cores are functioning
even at relatively low efficiency. Is it a fair to assume that the heater
core(s) could dissipate enough heat in the to prevent overheating even if
the radiator was in poor condition?

As always I would greatly appreciate any advice given. It is wonderful to
have access to the vast experience and knowledge which is so generously
shared by our list members.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Gary

Gary McEachern, Reading Ma.
'84GL Sunroof
'87GL Wolfsburg Weekender
'75 Spitfire

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