In a message dated 7/23/03 8:43:42 PM, jmeeks@GASLIGHTMEDIA.COM writes:

<< Am I in for a big surprise if I don't drain the system first? >>

John, my man, you can swap out the thermostat with little loss of coolant if
you first pinch off the small hoses to the pressure tank and also the radiator
hoses located beside the transaxle.  Shortly after I bought my first Vanagon,
I realized the usefulness of pinch off clamps for the coolant hoses.  They
are so useful they are becoming worn out and I'll soon have to make a new set.

George