John:

I think about half of the radiator is higher than the level of the
thermostat. So quite a bit of the coolant will drain out b the time you R&R
the old thermostat. I replaced mine and did a flush and coolant replacement
at the same time. Figured it was time anyway. You could try to do it the way
you plan to but would probably need to bleed the system afterwards anyway.
Bleeding isn't that bad if you have enough help. Good Luck!

Dan Weber
"Miss Blue"-'87 GL Weekender

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Meeks" <jmeeks@GASLIGHTMEDIA.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2003 7:33 PM
Subject: Drain Coolant to replace Thermostat (2.1 L)???

> Esteemed List,
>
> My Haynes manual sez:
> 1) disconnect battery
> 2) drain coolant
> 3) disconnect the wiring
> then it goes into the difference between early and late models re:
> disassembly
> Can this be correct? The thermostat seems higher in relation to most of
the
> rest if the coolant paths.
> Am I in for a big surprise if I don't drain the system first? I'm not
> replacing the housing, just the thermostat.
>
> TIA
> John Meeks
> Top of Lower Michigan
> '91 MultiWest