You defiantly want to replace the pressure cap and possibly the
thermostat. You should carefully inspect all the hoses, the expansion
bottle and the plastic tee pieces. Once the water pump stopped turning,
the raising gauge was caused by the cooling turning to steam and venting
past the cap. Take a good look at the outer head gaskets. Look for signs
of hardening or distortion. You may be lucky but keep in mind the engine
has suffered a trauma.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Bill Stokes
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2007 1:24 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Overheated Westy '87

While crusin' over a long bridge I threw my belts and the alternator
light went on first, then a few minutes later the temp light went on with
about 2 miles left to be able to coast into a service station off the
bridge.  All the coolant was lost and it got so hot it melted the upper
thermostat housing where the coolant escaped.   Since this incident, I
have put about 700 miles on the car in city and highway driving
conditions keeping close tabs for any coolant loss under the engine
and/or oil consumption.  So far, there has been no evidence of any damage
using these two criteria.  The car runs as good as it ever did.

My question is what areas should targeted for more trouble shooting since
this car got very hot.  Should all the hoses be changed because of the
risk of integrity loss due to the high heat.  Also, what other components
should be checked if any.  I don't want to have a catastrophic failure on
a trip due to this heat event.  I am thinking positively and feeling that
after 700 miles, no fluid loss, good running, and no oil consumption I
may have dodged the bullet.  Any comments would be appreciated as to the
best thing to ensure any future failures as a result of this event.

Bill in St. Petersburg