Larry,
     Yes the thermostat needs to be open to bleed the
radiator.   You could perhaps bleed air from the
engine without having the thermostat open but you get
too little flow to the radiator if the thermostat is
closed.   At idle, 1k it will take about ten minutes
before the thermostat will open.   Takes less time at
2k and even less at 3k.   Does not matter what speed
just as long as the two big hoses up front get good
and hot.   gary

Date:    Wed, 9 Oct 2002 11:42:46 -0400
From:    Lawrence Johnson
<larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject: Re: Air in the system

Jay
The thermostat does not need to open because there is
a small bypass
valve built
into the thermostat that allows enough flow for
bleeding purposes. Use
a brick
or a stick to hold the throttle pedal for 3000 rpm.
Alternatively use a
cloths
peg at the throttle cable connection in the engine
compartment. Better
still,
get a helper.
Larry

Jay L Snyder wrote:

> Well, you should at least wait until the thermostat
opens!  FAST is a
> relative term when dealing with Vanagons.  Besides,
I can't reach the
> throttle from the bleed bolt!
>
>
       Jay

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