It is very possible that your engine was overheating because the thermostat was bad.  They are
supposed to open at a certain temp, and one of the ways they can fail is to quit opening when
they should.  If I were you, I would try a new thermostat and see what happens.  Running
without one makes the engine take a lot longer to warm up, and that wastes gas, among other
not-so-good things.

Oh, and welcome to the list.  I checked out your website.  I hope you like your van.  Mine is a
lot of fun.

Bill

----- Original Message -----
From: "DaBomb" <dabomb@TANJABARNES.COM>
>

> The last time (actually three times) it overheated, a guy in a pick up truck
> stopped and asked me what was wrong.  I told him.  He told me I should
> remove the thermostat.  I was in the middle of nowhere, in the Nevada
> wasteland and would have to wait about an hour and half before AAA could get
> to me.  In the end, I took this  guy's advice.  He even helped me and did
> the job in about 20 minutes.  Since then, the car has not overheated, nor
> has it even come close.  I was able to return to Los Angeles via the 395,
> through the Sierras, at a summit of 8,000 feet without a problem.  I never
> came close to overheating.  The temperature gauge now reads just below the
> red LED light.
>
> Is this sane?  It's running better than it did before I got it.  I know this
> may seem like a stupid question, but I really don't know.  I'd appreciate
> any response.  I'm new to the VW scene, but this van is loads of fun and I'd
> like to keep it happy.  Also, I've tried a mechanic listed on the website,
> but would prefer to work with somebody else.  I'd love any referrals.  Any
> information on local VW bus events and shows would be helpful too.