You should not see anything coming out of the thermostat bleeder. The
screw is a valve that opens a connection to that hose which goes up to the
return loop. Often that port does get clogged. The real place to bleed the
system is the bleeder at the top of the radiator.

Engine cold, no need to raise either end of the van.
Start engine, bring rpms up 1,800-2,000.
Open t-stat bleeder bypass.
Keep main pressure tank topped up.
Open radiator bleeder.
When coolant comes out of bleeder, close same.
Top off main tank and replace cap.
Let engine return to normal idle.
Close the t-stat bypass.
Reconnect hose to fill tank and add coolant there.

You are done.

If there is any air remaining, it will work out on its own. Watch refill
tank for next few days.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David M
Sent: Sunday, November 25, 2007 7:35 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Changing thermostat woes

I put in a new thermostat today (the old one was stuck
open). I followed the abbreviated procedure. I parked
the van on a downward slope (my driveway), took off
the expansion tank cap and opened the housing. I guess
I lost about 2 pints of coolant, not the 'cup'
described in some posts. After replacing the
thermostat, I filled the expansion tank and opened the
thermostat bleeder. Put the dash heat on full, did not
touch the rear heat (should I have?) and ran the
engine. The expansion tank sucked dry and the flashing
coolant light came on so I added more coolant.
Flashing light went off but coolant not falling in
expansion tank and no coolant coming out of thermostat
bleeder. Decided to call it a day. What to do next?
Will not be able to look at it again till Wednesday.

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