It sounds to me that the radiator is no longer doing its job. Could be a
cracked internal baffle or it is getting plugged or slimed up. After 18
years of service, it is time for a new one. The fan should not be needed
for cooling except to support the AC and during extended low
speed/traffic conditions.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of John N. Motlagh
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2004 10:52 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Summer's coming and my van is getting hotter than ever!!

You never notice how hot you are running, until it starts to heat up out
side.  So let me drop a couple of problems on the list, and see who pick
them up.

1.      The 86 2.1 runs temp gauge runs with the needle about 2/3 high,
the
fan will come on and bring it down a bit, and then it stabilizes.  At
this
point I can turn the front heater on, and the temp takes a dive, about 1
or
two needle widths below the LED.  Is this normal behavior?  I can put up
with the warm tootsies for now, but I don't know if anyone has spent the
summer in Dallas.
2.      When I first turn on the van the blinking temp light comes on,
and
stays on until I stop and restart the van.  It doesn't seem to matter
how
warmed up the van is.  Thoughts on this?

After reviewing the archives, I have found three cheap (and I like the
way
this sounds)

1.      Flush and fill, but what mix for the summer? 50/50
(coolant/water)
or 60/40?  What brand for the van?
2.      Replace the Temp II sensor
3.      Replace the reservoir cap

Thanks in advance!!

John N. Motlagh

1968 Golden Westy

BTW.

Any list members driving the OD Green double cab on 1709 westbound, in
Keller TX?