Good Day guys & gals,
I have recently gotten an '83 watercooled vanagon.  This is the first water cooled VW I have ever owned (I have had many air cooleds). The water temp on this new van stays almost exactly half-way up the guage during normal driving (with outside ambient temps in the mid-80's), and if idling, it goes alittle above half way. First question: 1)Is this about normal.  If not, second question: 2) What can I do to help it run cooler.  Third question: 3)Back in the engine compartment attached to two of the larger water hoses there is what appears to be a little black plastic wheel that screws in and out.  Is this some sort of valve, and where should it be adjusted for coolest temps.  and fourth question: 4) On the heater unit under the rear seat, I notice that there is a valve that controls water to this unit. For the engine to run coolest, should this valve be open, allowing water to flow through the heater unit, or closed?  Any advice on a cooler running engine is greatly appreciated!
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!Peace, JB