Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
VanagonEuroVan
Subject:Missing messages? was:" Fail Safe " Type Coolant Thermostat
From:Eric Caron
Date:Sun, 24 Dec 2017 16:49:03 -0500

Hi folks,

        Perhaps Dennis only sent this message to Neil, but I was wondering if I’m the only one who missed this post?

        Glad I caught the info in the reply.  Again, maybe just one of those times a group message is accidentally sent to one poster, I’ve done that.

Best.

Eric 

On Dec 24, 2017, at 15:07, Neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks Dennis. I'd wondered if it was "too good to be true". Seems there's
always a "give and take" to design.

Though the thermostat design may not be as critical as it is for a WBX
engine, I worry about the type of thermostat my VW parts shop sells me for
my Jetta engine in my Vanagon. Its a Calorstat brand which is useable in
several different brands of engine. Hence my searches elsewhere and
discovery of this "gimmick" thermostat design.

Neil.

On Sun, Dec 24, 2017 at 6:48 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> This thermostat is a gimmick. The deal is that if the stat over-extends it
> locks open. So if it extends for a normal situation such as hot day and
> extended load it will be stuck open and will have to be removed to reset or
> replace. It does nothing to add protection for failure of the Waxman to
> open it or if the assembly should break which are both common t-stat
> failure modes.
> 
> Worse, if you order this for the Vanagon, the listing bases fit on the
> diameter of the main valve, not the bypass valve disc. The lower disc will
> be the wrong diameter and the wrong location closing off the bypass,
> (mixing) port to early and often even jamming in the housing. The
> Waterboxer relies heavily on the coolant always flowing between the engine
> and heads to maintain even temperatures. With the bypass closed there won't
> be flow until the radiator port opens and then it will not even throughout
> the engine. Some parts can overheat while the gauge is reading normal. I've
> tried this type of stat on my first motorhome, Ford E350 with a 460. Didn’t
> have enough flow so it ran hot anytime under load. Went to dealer to get
> the right stat.
> 
> Dennis,
> Who doesn't like gimmicks.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Neil N
> Sent: Saturday, December 23, 2017 5:23 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: " Fail Safe " Type Coolant Thermostat
> 
> I know Dennis Haynes has written of thermostats, fitment etc.
> 

-- 
Neil n

Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>

1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>

1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>

Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>

Have something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »