Ed,

Welcome to the list.

What is the history of the van?  When was the water pump changed last, what
type of coolant do you have? (phosphate free I hope), have the temp sensors
and wires been changed, and are they connected with corrosion free
connectors (when I say wires, sometimes the wires leading to the sensors go
bad due to nicks or burns)?

With the tack not working, sounds more like an electrical problem...

Also, you may wish to use a NON-CONTACT LASER THERMOMETER.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=91778

Good luck!  It is probably something simple.

Jack R.
84 Westy Wolfie, owned for 20 years, just restored and updated the motor to
a 2.1L 91 syncro motor.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Ed
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 1:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: OVerheating

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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