Try removing the grill and feel around the radiator as the engine
warms up. I would test the front  because it heats up first plus the fan
is on the back. I removed the radiator and ran hot water to it. It was
pretty obvious that only a small part was flowing.
        I called around and finally found one shop that would "Blast it
out". Involved heat, pressure and sonic force , if memory serves me.

Good Luck and Drive Safely
Ken Lewis
86 Crewcab,60 356
http://Neksiwel.20m.com/

On Sat, 9 Jun 2001 11:45:32 -0500 Marshall Ruskin <mjruskin@HOME.COM>
writes:
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
[text/html]