Vanagon Listers:

I've got an 82 diesel, she's overheating.� On 5 hour road trip, after hour 4 started blowing cold air then back to hot, then cold again.� Soon the needle raised up and light flashed.� Had extra coolant with me, while topping off expansion saw that the cloth wrapped hose to fill tank had come off.� Replaced and gingerly made it to destination.� Stopped three times to let cool.� I figured I'd gotten air into the system and needed to bleed it out.� I've done that today--with little success.� Got it up to temp, parked on a ridiculous incline to get the air up to the radiator.� Not much hissing.� After 8 attempts only once did coolant bleed out.� Air continued to blow mostly cold with heat cranked, occasionally while driving around it warmed a little.� Needle would raise at low RPM's then return closer to the middle when I revved it up.� Even at slower speeds with engine revved it would cool--that confuses me a bit as little air is moving over
 the radiator--makes me think it'd be hotter.� 

I'm wondering about two things: first what's likely to be the cause of this behavior?� Secondly, any tricks for getting me home before starting these projects? 

I'll be leaving Friday, I'm at Lake Chelan in WA, little town of Manson to be exact.� My gut tells me Radiator for sure, pretty sure it's the original.� Not sure about thermostat or heater core.� 

Happy New Year, appreciate the advice.� Nothing like bringing in the new year with a little repair work.� 

steve