Thermostats are almost like snowflakes. No tow are identical in operation. They often change over time. The temp gauge also is not a precision device. It is also designed to respond slowly so you don’t see the temp sings with load and speed changes. When all is well it is normal for the needle to sit near the top or just above the LED. Use an infrared heat gun to check temp at the coolant water pump feed pipe. Most likely the new Wahler T-stat is working as it should. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Harold Teer
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 2:57 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Water temp increase after changing hoses, thermostat, and plastic parts

Up until the coolant tower, the thermostat housing, and numerous hoses around the engine area were recently replaced, the water temp needle sat at the bottom part of the LED.  My memory is that is where it has always been on this van since I purchased it with about 50K on the odometer.  I do know the thermostat was changed at about 90K with a dealer thermostat and this recent change was at 160K.  The new thermostat was a Wahler purchased from one of our regular vendors.  The engine has never overheated even when going over high mountain passes in hot weather.

Should I just assume I had an old lazy thermostat that was opening too soon and the new thermostat is working properly?  Or, should I just order a thermostat from the dealer?

Or any other thoughts would be appreciated.

Harold

Harold Teer
1991 Westy -- VANGAUX
Harrisonburg, VA