So this was when the A/C compressor shut off right?  Whenever the HIGH speed comes on, it should cut the compressor.  I had that happen before, and it turned out to be a buildup of dirt and crap on the front fan motor bearing.  Pulled the fan off, cleaned it up, and lubed it, and it was OK for a couple of years until I found a good deal (basically a closeout deal) on a replacement motor.  Pretty much has to be bearing related, or fan blade related.  Either way, you'll need to pull it and check it out.

 Keith Hughes
'86 Westy Tiico (Marvin)

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 Date:� � Sat, 8 Aug 2015 18:33:00 -0500
 From:� � Jack Botts <johnnyjewel43@HOTMAIL.COM>
 Subject: (Real) Noisy Rad Fan
 
 I believe I know the three stages of radiator fan speeds --
 and noise ['87  AC in my (late) '86]. BUT yesterday out in 90=B0
 mid-MO heat and idling (AC on) while my spousal unit got us some Steak &
 Shake happy hour shakes the high(est) came on and rather than being the roar
 I am used to I was treated to more of a loud howl (back in WV we
 might have even called it a squall) -- no louder than previous but
 definitely a different tone. I am fairly certain I haven't experienced THAT
 noise before in 10 + years of AC'ed Vanagons. Any clues? (Searched the
 archive=2C but no help with "loud fan" or "noisy fan".)
 
 
 Jack BottsColumbia=2C MO
 
 '86 Vanagon Westfalia Weekender
 
 '14 Passat SE TDI� � � � � �
 � � �