Check the fluid level.  Check (when hot) if the system is holding pressure.
If both are good you are not over heating.

Ed wrote:

>Hi list, new guy here with his first watercooled vanagon.
>
>It is getting hot, very hot and the fan wont come on. Today I drove about 10 blocks and the needle was pegged out, no fan. I pulled the plug on the fan and jumpered it to drive back home and with the fan on hi the temp didnt budge.
>
>I get no blinking idiot light, even when I first turn on the key.
>Also suddenly my tack is not working.
>
>Any help?
>Thanks,
>Ed Maikranz
>Abilene, TX
>84 Vanagon
>72 Riviera
>
>
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