Possibly. But the cooling fins were shot anyway. Even if replacing the thermostat had cured the problem I still intended to replace the radiator this summer. It was time.

John

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Marshall Ruskin 
  To: John Flaherty ; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2001 12:45 PM
  Subject: Re: Re: Overheating 84 Vanagon

  I wonder if you used an infrared thermometer - if you could see if there was coolant flow through the rad, before you replaced it.

  Marshall Ruskin
  84 Westy
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: John Flaherty 
    To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
    Sent: Friday, June 08, 2001 7:57 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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