I had a pressure leak develop where the thermostat housing bolts to the
side of the water pump on my 85 Vanagon GL.  Checking things out the next
day revealed that the coolant line from the radiator is not getting warm.
Also the radiator appears cool to the touch. This all happened rather
suddenly, so I am guessing it is a bad thermostat. Any suggestions for
further diagnostics before I rip this apart?

Also any suggestions on whether or not to use gasket goop on the o-ring
that fits over the pipe connecting to the right head when I reassemble? Any
particular gasket goop recommended?

**********  John Clavin  |  jjc@bga.com  |  Austin, TX  **********