Having driven the '80 air cooled keeping it under 75 isn't a problem.

; )

The phosphate free coolant I didn't know about.  The rest seems good for
any Vanagon.

Robert Cardo wrote:
> <<My sense is that there are a few problematic areas related to the
> cooling systems on these>>
>
> The only problem with the water cooled Vanagon's is a no PM issue.
>
> No maintenance spell's troubles.

sure.

> How long should a hose last?
> ( I think they should be changed at least once every 100,000 miles
> whether they need it or not )

easy enough.

> How long should a cooling system go without servicing it?
>
> A simple flush bi-annually would prevent and eliminate most of the
> wasserboxer's problems .
>
> But not too many folks are into the dirty work, or are much too frugal (
> I held back with cheap ) to have it done.

> Hence the wasserleaker.
>
> You can't blame the Van.
> Blame the people that owned it.

same as any vehicle.

> If you change all the hoses, and flush out the cooling system, It should
> be good to go for some time, and many miles.
>
> Sounds like you aren't to certain what to do here and need a push prior
> to jumping over the fence.

It took me some time to get the air cooled straightened out and myself
up to speed on VW idiocyncracies.  I'm working myself out of a hole
since my mom's passing last year and over examining every decision I'm
making so I don't add to my problems.  Selling my '80 and buying the '91
isn't a tough decision from a technical standpoint.  It requires
$1500-2000 more than I may get from my '80 after sale.  I'm not yet back
to a place where I can decide to do that without blinking.

Thanks to all for their advice and input from everyone.  I'll drop a
note if and when I jump.

--

Wil

-- http://www.charmfx.com/

"You cannot kill time without injuring eternity."
-- Thoreau