I have been having a nagging overheating problem over the last several
months that has led to the replacement of a heater valve, two
reservoir caps, hoses and a number of clamps. While I have fixed
several leaks that were showing up after some near overheating events,
and right now it is not leaking a drop, the problem persists. I have
done lots of work on diesel and waterboxer vanagons I have had and
have never had a persistent overheating problem like this.

When I start the car from cold, the temperature needle climbs steadily
and slowly up past the middle through the 3.4 mark, no matter what.
Top of radiator, which spews coolant and not air when opened, is cool
to the touch. Thermostat? I will gamble the money and replace it next
week when I can get a good one.

Jim