What a strange approach. The only thing that I would recommend is to replace
the rad fan switch with the later one, as it turns on the fan at a lower
temperature. Our 1.9 has never overheated, whether climbing mountains or
not. The coolant reservoir cracked, blowing out all the coolant and
necessitating a roadside fix and the coolant pipe near the right rear wheel
sprang a leak. I cut it off and replaced witha longer hose from a helpful
FLAPS. Yes, I replaced the water pump when I bought it , at 81,000 miles as
a pre-emptive strike, but it is still running strongly, and cool, at 206,000
as my daily driver. I drive 55-60mph , for what that's worth, and had
considered putting a manual switch on the fan until our 86 demonstrated the
efficacy of the lower temp rad fan switch. That does the trick for me.
Seeya, Jake.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Howard Allen" <Howard.Allen@FAIRCHILDSEMI.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 1:30 PM
Subject: Cooling system questions for 1.9L

> Wish I had an aircooled but since I don't I would like to get as much
> information about my "new" watercooled baby.  Talking with a long-time
> 1.9L VW van owner the following opinions were expressed.  Would appreciate
> the List's feedback.
>
> 1. The fan sensor switch is too low in the radiator to do a good job
> preventing overheating during low speed travel [therefore install a manual
> override switch]?
> 2. The water pump does not flow enough coolant during idling in stop and
> go driving [this guy installed a smaller pulley onto the waterpump shaft -
> is this recommended?].
> 3.  Radiator cooling capacity is insufficient during high ambient temps
> while endeavoring to climb 7% or greater grades [therefore install a
> larger radiator]?
> 4.  Highway speeds of greater than 65 MPH will result in headgasket
> failure caused by overheating?
> 5.  The factory temperature guage is not a reliable indicator of
> dangerously high coolant temperature - anything past half way actually
> indicates an over temp condition that should be addressed by pulling over
> and shutting down the engine immediately?
>
> Best Regards
> Howard Allen
> S. Portland, Maine
>
> "Don't tread on me."
>