At 03:48 PM 2/26/98 -0800, Malcolm Holser wrote:
>In thinking about it, I realized that I almost *never* hear the radiator fan
>come on on any of my Vanagons.  I guess it must be the cool summers we get
>here in central California.  Now the needle sits just above the LED on
>the temperature guauge, and the defroster cranks out hot air again.
>
>Thanks for the responses -- and be aware that aftermarket thermostats have
>this "feature".  I don't know if the 2wd Vanagons would have this problem,
>since they use a different thermostat housing, and it is the inner bore of
>this part that catches the plate.
>
>Malcolm
----------------------------------------------------

Malcolm -

Yes, it is rather nice in the hills of the Mariposa/Yosemite region, even
in the summer time.  However, in the Central California/San Joaquin Valley
floor, it's a heckuva lot warmer than where you reside.  Try in the upper
90s/low 100s most of the past two summers.  I spent the better part of last
summer going up and down SR 99 to various VW shows packed with my wares and
always kept a critical eye on the gauge.

I keep hearing from customers and other Vanagon friends about their
horrible experiences with aftermarket thermostats.  I only sell da German
kind (80c).  A few more bucks than the Kragen special, but it's a better
peace of mind for me.  Haven't had a problem with it in my 2.1, but of
course it's setup in the 1.9 configuration for my 84 Westy.

Cheers

Jim Thompson
84 Westy 2.1 * 62 Beetle * 90 Fox Wagon
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