Check for proper operation of the radiator cooling fan motor, relay,
thermostatic switch and ballast resistor.  If one of these components is
defective you will experience overheating.  A lean air to fuel mixture will
cause heating as will a leaking head gasket allowing combustion gasses into
the cooling jacket.  It is normal for the indicated engine temperature to
climb steadily until the temperature of the engine causes the thermostat to
open, at which time you should see a slight drop in the indicated
temperature.

Justin Jensen
SLC Utah
-----Original Message-----
From: EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, April 02, 1998 9:59 PM
Subject: Re: Running Hot

>     Your syncro is running to hot. Mine is also, for about the last
>     year. It has me stumped. I've been thur every pipe in the thing.
>     Replaced the rad. thermostat, water pump, about half the hoses.
>     Just did a chemical test on the head gaskets for the 3rd time
>     tuesday. My only guess is a lean fuel mixture. This will cause
>     an over heating problem.  Anyone have a guess?
>
>            Eric                   86-VW4x4
>            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
>            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
>
>
>On Thu, 2 Apr 1998, Paulo wrote:
>
>> Hola Listees -
>>
>> There's been a ton of talk about head gaskets lately.  How closely is
>> hot engine temp related to the HG?
>>
>> 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.
>>
>> Any advice / strategies to help cool the beast down.
>>
>> Regards
>>
>> Paul
>> 86 Sybcro - 189K
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _________________________________________________________
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>