It could be a few things.  For starters I would check the radiator fan
function.  Does it come on when the engine gets hot?  Is the radiator itself
hot or cold when the engine overheats?

Chris S.
'85 Westy
www.knology.net/~vw/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers

----- Original Message -----
From: "Shannon Mitchell" <vze4rq5j@VERIZON.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2003 7:44 AM
Subject: Running VERY HOT 91 Vanagon

I am having problems with the van running very hot.. the temp gage is past
the light and with out the heat on it would max out!  I changed the water
pump 4 months ago... not sure if I bled the system right?  Could this be the
problem?  The cooling fan also isn't turning on what would cause this?
What is the best way to "flush" the cooling system?

any help would be great
Thanks
Shannon
91 Vanagon