Hiyer Tim,

Saw the initial post, and this response.  I think the coolant problems
warrant more than disregarding.  There IS a problem, sounds like the
internal head gasket leak (worst case) or a bad pressure cap (best case)

bye, Tim

I dunno, my '85 has done the same thing when in hot weather and idling. 
 Never while underway.  I'm positive I don't have any internal HG leaks.

Don't put so much in.
^^^^^^^^^^  what! ???????????????

No kidding, that worked for me.  See, on mine the problem seems to be that 
the translucent coolant tank has developed a crack at the top seam.  That 
means when the van gets very hot, as the coolant expands, it oozes ( or 
shoots ) out of the top of that translucent tank instead of flowing through 
the tube to the black overflow ( surge ) tank that sits right next to it.

If you reduce the amount of coolant, --not so that there is none in the 
translucent tank--, but so that the level is slightly reduced until it 
won't reach that spot at the top of the tank, then you're in.  At least 
that worked for me, until I get a replacement tank.

It really hasn't made a difference in the way my temperature needle moves, 
but not being a professional mechanic, I dunno if it's having some other 
effect.

 Why have I never heard this fan
> before????

You are a Yankee!

Ahem, but aren't you all Yankees?
Time to go cook some back bacon now.
See ya, eh?   A. Canuck

Sure, just like you guys all speak french.

Y'all take 'er easy, mon frer,  A Southerner.