Jeff,
isn't it better to have the engine run cool?  Why go through the
hassle of switching out to an 87 degree unit?

-- Craig

On Sat, 20 Jul 2002, Jeffrey R wrote:

> The short answer is the wrong thermostat was in there. It was the 80 degree thermostat instead of the more popular and correct for most installations: the 87 degree unit.
>
> I share this for those who don't know. Seems the opening temp is stamped on the thermostat. I had gotten the cooler thermostat from Lithia VW in Reno when I was travelling. The part number on the box was for the correct 87 degree thermostat but the actual thermostat has a number like 212 80 stamped on it. I asked the parts guy at the time and he said "No that's just a code number. You go by the part number on the box." So I installed the thermostat and completely forgot about the conversation.
>
> The bus had been running hot prior to the thermostat install and so I was thrilled when it was running cooler--especially in the desert. As time passed and I did more driving I noticed the temp gauge was usually pretty low except in traffic. Since I had installed a new temp guage sensor as well I thought it might be faulty--or coolant was passing by the thermostat or what have you.
>
> At any rate I opened the system and the second I saw the 80 stamp and it all came flooding back to me like from a busted radiator hose.
>
> I suppose for many this is a no brainer, but I figured I'd pass it on.
>
> Rennie at Peyton Cramer VW in Torrance set me up with the correct thermostat and some other hoses and stuff for this most recent fix. Rennie is a hero if you own a Vanagon and I highly recommend you deal with him.
>
> Best
> Jeff
> 83.5 Westy
> LA,CA
>

--
Craig Oda   craigoda@communitybuilders.info
VW Info: 1983 VW Westfalia, water-cooled, automatic