On Wed, 2010-09-01 at 18:14 -0700, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
> I've converted a van like yours to full 2.1 cooling system.
> every last part, from main coolant pipes back , changed over from 1.9
> cooling system to 2.1 cooling system.
>
> is the 2.1 system simplier ?  ...not at all.
> Can't imagine why anyone would say that.
> it's roughtly the same in terms of 'general vanagon cooling system
> weirdness' .
> i.e. - 'they have their issues too."
> and they have more plastic parts in them than the 1.9 system does.

On their website, GoWesty writes that,

"...there are many 83-85, 1.9 liter Vanagon cooling system parts that
are no longer available. The cooling system was completely redesigned in
1986 with the introduction of the 2.1 liter engine. The newer '86-'91
system has fewer parts overall (and, in fact, this bleeder valve was
eliminated). [...] So, if the rest of your cooling system is original
and also on its knees, it might be time to bite the bullet and convert
the whole damn thing to the better 86-91 system... "

Link: <
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=4242&category_id=79&category_parent_id= >

And I think I misunderstood what my mechanic was telling me. It ain't
the "coolant tower" (my made-up name for it) because that's only $100 in
stainless from GoWesty. For the $200 he said that part was, it has to be
GoWesty's machined aluminum bleeder valve assembly, shown on the page
link, above.

Unless he's gonna try to sell me a $100 part for $200. In which case,
I'll be ready for him.