I didn't think it was all that hard.  I just ran the engine until it was at
normal operating temperature, opened the air vent on top of the thermostat
until no air cam out (all liquid and very hot!!), and closed that vent.
Then I drove the front wheels on top of a curb stop to make the front higher
than the back, and removed the grill and rev'd the engine to 2500 RPM using
a folded piece of paper to hold the throttle open, went up front and opened
the vent on top of the radiator until only hot liquid came out.  Closed the
vent valve, installed the grill, removed the paper "idle speed adjustment",
and buttoned her up.  No problems in 15,000 miles of driving.
Good Luck!
Tom Miller
----- Original Message -----
From: "vanagon" <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, March 01, 2004 6:04 PM
Subject: Coolant priming question

Okay,
I have replaced the coolant in my 85 Vanagon several times and have tried to
do it exactly as the Bentley book prescribes. It seems somewhat difficult
and can get messy.

I am about to do this on my 87 Syncro shortly.

Here's the question:  Has anybody found an easier way to do this?  Purging
all the air out easily?

I have a couple ideas but do not know if they would work.

Anybody want to discuss this?

By the way, when I first purchased my 85 several years ago, I made the
mistake of removing the rear heater, I did clamp the hoses but likely still
got some small air in the system and thought the overflow would purge it
off. I later blew one of the small hoses behind the crank pulley and lost
cooling on the way up to Tahoe with my girl.  I believe the Vanagon is
especially sensitive to any air in the cooling system and a bugger to purge.
Very different than my Ford Ranger.

Thanks!

Doug