Andrew,

This can be done with a quick hand. You will lose a little coolant but it
can be done. As for bleeding I have been told by a good source (and I'm sure
that the list will correct this if it is innacurate) that later model
Vanagons (I'm assuming your '87 fits this category) do not require bleeding
of the coolant system. It will correct itself. You'll simply need to add a
bit of coolant. Again, others may disagree with this but this is what I was
told by someone I trust and it has been my experience in my '90.

--
Thanks,

Jeff
'90 Carat (Grover)
'86 (We call this one Parts)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus