In a message dated 05/10/2005 8:38:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

Dear  List members,
It appears that the Thermostat housing is leaking where it  attaches to the
block/head on m '88 Vanagon 2.1 w/4 speed.

The bolts  that hold it on appear to be quite rusty and I'm hesitant that I
might  break them off as they are probably original.

I want to replace the  housing, thermostat, o-rings and any hoses that are
attached to  it.

Any hints or help you can give me about removal and replacement  would be
greatly appreciated.

John, it is quite likely the plastic housing is  cracked and you will need to
replace that part.  To get the rusted bolts  out is matter of great
difficulty.  Try heating wit a propane torch.   Try giving them a sharp smack with an
appropriate size punch and large weighty  hammer.  Then try inserting a good
hex bit on a good solid driver, not a  ratchet !  If the hex socket will not
engage use a hand operated impact  tool with a large straight bit and smack it
hard so that the bit will indent  into the head of the bolt and that should get
it turning.  At any rate you  will have to replace the plastic housing so do
not worry about damaging  it.  Once the housing has been removed run a tap in
the threaded holes to  clean then use new stainless steel hex bolts with
anti-seize when installing the  new housing.  Don't forget to get a new O-ring for
the housing to head  connection.  Part numbers and prices are on my _Vanagon
Items Forsale_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/sales.htm)  webpage  however you
may be able to find what you need locally without ordering from  CANADA !  Good
luck and enjoy this little project.

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy, '90 Carat, '87 Wolfsburg  (Forsale) & Lionel Trains
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa  Valley
_Frank Condelli  & Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm) 1
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 08 ~ 11, 2006

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy, '90 Carat, '87 Wolfsburg  (Forsale) & Lionel Trains
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa  Valley
_Frank Condelli  & Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm) 1
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 08 ~ 11,  2006