Josh-
Both thermostats and temperature senders fail after a certain period of
time. Given the fact that when these little critters fail, it can lead to
engine damage, it seems prudent to replace them if ANY suspicion occurs. In
the course of getting an un-known ( history-wise ) car ready for reliable
road use, items such as these should be routinely replaced. They are
inexpensive, and the peace of mind that you will have, knowing that these
items are new will be well worth the effort. Coolant changes in these
vehicles are a pain, but should also be done at purchase time, and probably
once every 2 years after that. It's very important in aluminum engines to
keep the coolant fresh and clean.
Chuck
'83 Westy
'84 XJ-6
----- Original Message -----
From: "sleepingmonkey1" <sleepingmonkey1@JUNO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2003 8:05 PM
Subject: Re: stalling at stop lights. epiphanany - Thermostat stuck open or
tempII what do you think?

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.