Jeff Becker wrote:

> 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.

Sounds normal.

> If not, second question: 2) What can I do to help it run cooler.

As long as it doesn't over heat, (boil) don't try to have it too cool.  The thermostat and radiator fan should keep it at the proper temperature, if they are working.  Engines that are too cool are inefficient and get fouled up.

> 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.

Probably a bleeder valve, but I don't remember which way it should be turned.

> 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?

Open would have some cooling effect on the engine, but considering the discomfort caused to the passengers, it's probably not justified except in an emergency.  Normally I suspect that the thermostat would cut down the flow to the radiator to compensate and you would end up at the same operating temperature anyway.

> Any advice on a cooler running engine is greatly appreciated!
> !
> !Peace, JB

Same to you,
Larry A.