If the system is full, I can only think of the thermostat or the radiator.
Zoltan

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Felder" <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, March 05, 2011 10:15 AM
Subject: Overheating problem 91 2.1

>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
>