"remove the thermostat completely and run
without it for a bit.John Rodgers wrote:"

YOU can NOT  run a 2.1L without a thermostat.

> Three times  I  have had thermostat  problems with my van - two of which
> were overheating problems. /time #1 - bad thermostat. It would not open
> when the engine warmed up - caused the engine to overheat. . Replaced
> it, cooling system went back to normal operation./time#2 - bad
> thermostat - engine would not warm up. Thermostat seized in open
> position. Replaced thermostat and that triggered /time#3 - new
> thermostat came from NAPA. Turns out you really have to be careful of
> where you get thermostats. Even though their spec book said the NAPA
> stat worked in Vanagons, fact was, it didn't. Wouldn't open properly,
> and caused the engine to overheat. Solution: got a genuine VW r
> thermostat from my local VW dealer and had no problems. Engine ran as it
> should.
>
> I would suggest that you remove the thermostat completely and run
> without it for a bit. This will definitively show whether you have a
> stat problem or a cooling problem elsewhere - like a plugged radiatior
> or hose. This is a simple test and will get you on the road to a
> solution.
>
> One other thing. Burp the cooling system again. Be absolutely sure you
> don't have air in the system.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
> Edwin Francisco Canessa Amador wrote:
>
>> I have an 87 Vanagon (manual transmission) since 1991 and I still
>> love it.
>> It has been 3 years already since overheating problems started.
>> Engine has
>> been rebuilt (about a year ago) and the problem still continues.  I have
>> changed most parts related to the cooling system (thermostat,
>> temperature
>> sensors 1 & 2, coolant distributor, water pump, expansion tank,
>> several tubes
>> and pipes that looked oxidized or about to be perforated) almost
>> everything
>> except the radiator (original), although it has been examined and
>> tested.  In
>> order to maintain engine temperature to its upper limit, the radiator
>> fan and
>> the heating system have to be running and on all the time, which makes
>> driving very uncomfortable. Does anybody have experienced the same
>> problem? I
>> have to acknowledge my ignorance related to car engines and mechanics
>> so I
>> cannot be more specific so far. Any suggestions, comments, advice,
>> will be
>> most welcome.
>>
>>
>>
>