When I changed my 1.9 to a 2.1 the thermostat was honked up.
The rubber in the old thermostat was broken and holding it open.

The 1.9 type water pump is a problem.  I saw two of them that the bolt
is
to small and when you try to remove it, it breaks since the bolt is
corroded.
You don't want to mess with the water pump unless you really have to.
I am talking about the small bolts that hold the bracket that connects
the hose.
I had to drill mine out and heila coil it.  The housing part is hard to
find too.

>>> sleepingmonkey1 <sleepingmonkey1@JUNO.COM> 7/9/2003 7:05:58 PM >>>
Just made a discovery in my quest to cure a rich runnin stalling
problem with my 85 1.9L GL.  Lets see what all you think.  I was just
out to WM and experienced the symptoms after a little travelin.  Have
noticed recently that the needle has been sitting a little bit lower
than usual (It usually rides on or just above the indicator light) It
has been sitting just at the bottom part or the light.  When I came out
of WM I started the van and it sounded like it should for a change.
Started driving and watched the guage.  Vans runnin great, holding Idle,
NOT STALLING!  The needle on the gauge  was sittin right where it always
has just at the top of the indicator.  Stopped to get gas...  Started
van and drove a bit and noticed that the needle was back at sitting at
the bottom of the light and wouldn't you know the first light I stopped
at, She started to show her symptoms again.  Now who thinks I have a
thermostat sticking open or a bad Temp II?  Or both I need to flush the
coolant system anyway..
let me know oh experienced riders of German mystery...
thanks Josh

Ps.
I will probably be sellin My Van in the near future
Like a lot of you, keepin it is putting a tremendous strain on my home
life, if you know what I mean. LOL
email me if interested
85GL 7 Pass. Van   approx. 160.000 miles (actual unknown)
Runs great usally and will agin
Auto Trans- shifts great
a real nice van I hate to get rid of...
had alot of plans for it.