At 10:04 AM 4/2/98 -0800, Paulo wrote:
>My Syncro occassionally runs hot, primarily when I start driving.  The
>temp gague will go to about 75 - 80% - close to hot.  Usually it will
>cool down after a few minutes.  If I'm climbing upward it happens a
>bit more dramatically and will cool once I pass the apex.
>
>I don't know if I have a block in some hose somewhere or if it is
>something else.  A mechanic (not affiliated to the list) told me this
>was normal.
No it is not normal for a Vanagon to run hot when you start driving. The
coolant temperature should remain pretty much constant. It will tend to
creep up if you're stalled in traffic or slowly climbing a steep hill. The
radiator fan will then come on and the temp will go back down. You should be
able to hear the fan when it comes on. You might have a problem with the fan
or possibly with the thermostat.

-Mark McCulley