David Katsuki wrote, in part:

>I think you may not need to be that cautious about overheating unless there
>are definite symptoms.   
>In our '90 Westy (only 80k miles), I can sit in traffic for many minutes
>before the temp rises much, and it is always well-behaved when the fan
>comes on low speed even with the AC on in 90 degree weather, so if your
>radiator is in good shape, you shouldn't be having any problems and
>shouldn't have to use the heater at all (except in winter, of course...).

Thanks David. I have gotten a lot of good feedback that makes me feel
more comfortable about the temperature question. 

I have gotten many very helpful replies such as yours on this and other 
questions. Thanks all.

Maureen Stretch
91 Vanagon GL Westfalia