If the radiator is getting hot, then you have coolant flow and the
thermostat is at least partially opening. You need to check the gauge
itself. A bad senor or a shorted wire could be giving bad gauge
readings. Get an infrared thermometer and look at the actual engine or
head temps. If turning on the heater helps, it is likely that you have a
bad radiator. It could be partially clogged or it is cracked internally
allowing coolant to go from inlet to outlet without actually passing
through. If fan is turning on but engine is not cooling, than radiator
is likely.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Zoran Mladen
Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 3:46 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Need input on this overheating problem - hot and flashing light

Hey folks,

  On our 89, we are having an overheating issue that is stumping us.
Here are the symptoms:

   - Seems to heat up quickly - compared to our 84 teh needle moves up
quicker
   - Radiator is hot
   - Both lines to/from radiator are hot
   - Cooling system has been bled
   - Radiator fan is coming on
   - Appears to be some bubbles in the reservoir - almost like a foam
   - Gets hotter and hotter at idle till the gauge is almost to max hot
and starts blinking
   - On highway, stays hot and the light will start blinking; opening
front heat valve tends to stop the blinking but tempo gauge needle does
not move down at all

  Had the problem and did head gaskets and o-rings.  Problem still
there.  There is a new waterpump already installed.  My guess is either
a bad thermostat or a cracked head.  Is a bad thermostat a poosibility -
since the radiator and lines are hot?

  Any ideas - PLEASE offer them.

  Thanx in advance...

  Z

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