Thanks to all who replied to my post re the water pump/ coling problems
I had last week
You were RIGHT
Vapour lock. 100%!!!!! Yee haw !!!
My worse case theory of the waterpumphousing disintegrating and clogging
the block are but a memory.

Now I know the entire system is working, it's time  to figure out which
hoses to replace, how to deal with the corroded metal pipe end I
discovered,  and refill with real coolant.

Off to the archives with me I suppose!

Thanks again all, and compliments to the entire list for being such a
great resource !

 

Bill M.
'82 Jetta powered GL