One thing that is relatively cheap to try is to take the van to a radiator shop and have the radiator professionally cleaned.  It solved my problem with my '84.

John Lauterbach
Macon, GA
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: John Flaherty 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Friday, June 08, 2001 8:57 PM
  Subject: Re: Overheating 84 Vanagon

  Jeff,

  I have the same problem with my 84. Tried the same fixes. Only way I could drive was with both heaters going full blast. (In fact I didn't know I had a problem until the warmer whether.) I'm currently replacing the radiator. I'll let you know. 

  BTW, my water punp is only a year old, and if it wasn't functioning I don't think running the heaters would help as coolant wouldn't be circulating through them, so, at least for now, I'm ruling that out.

  John Flaherty
  Portland, Maine
  '84 GL "Insufficient Funds"
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: jeff emrick 
    To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
    Sent: Friday, June 08, 2001 2:59 PM
    Subject: Overheating 84 Vanagon

    I have a 1984 Vanagon which has been overheating.  I have had  the thermostat, expansion tank and cap, refill tank and, coolant replaced and completely bleed the system.  My mechanic told me there was gas in my oil and did an oil and filter change.  The van ran great for about 2 weeks.  Now if I drive more than a mile I'm running hot.  I do hear the electric fan kick on, but not always when hot.  thanks, Jeff  

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