Well, I drove around until the temperature gauge came up to "normal"
then stopped and opened the bleed screw.  Hot coolant immediately.  No
air.  Air in the radiator has been ruled out.

So, I suppose I need to let it sit and idle (keeping an eye on the gauge
to be sure things don't get out of hand) and see if the fan ever kicks
on now that there's a good fuse in place.  I don't recall ever hearing
it but it seems that with moderate temperatures, forward motion provides
enough air flow that it's not needed.

If it doesn't I guess that pretty much just leaves the thermo/switch on
the radiator itself.  Are those trouble-prone?

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL