>From: LeeAnn Medlock
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Date: Sunday, May 20, 2001 9:21 PM
>Subject: Cooling in Arizona
>
>Hi there list.
>
>I recently bought my first Vanagon (85 Westy).  I have never bought any
>water cooled
>Volkswagens, and living in Arizona, I am wondering just how temperamental
>the
>cooling system is.  Do I need to pay any special attention to it because
>it
>is so hot out here?  I am not really looking forward to having any
>overheating problems and other sorts like that, but I guess it is
>inevitable.
>What kind of coolants do I need?  Any suggestions are appreciated.
>Thanks.
>
I'm in Phoenix and can advise the following:
(1) Check all of your coolant hoses to make sure they are in good
condition, replace any poor or marginal ones. Pay particular attention to
the ones that go under the van that are exposed to road debris.
(2) Check your coolant level once per week or so.
(3) Replace the coolant once per year with phosphate-free coolant. I use
Havoline Long-Life from Kmart or Walmart.
If you do the above, you should have little need to know:
(4) If you ever see the red coolant warning light on the dash blink, stop
as soon as possible and look for low coolant level or coolant leaks.
Continuing to drive could destroy yoiur engine.
(5) The first evidence of a coolant leak is often a large cloud of steam.

- David (1987 Wolfsburg)