Also FWIW:

I just replaced my radiator, expansion tank, pressure cap, and thermostat
with all new parts. My temp gauge now runs with the lower edge of the needle
just above the LED. The gauge actually runs about 1/4 needle width hotter
than it did before I renewed the cooling system. I attribute this difference
to the new thermostat and don't think it's indicative of any problem. The
radiator does seem to be more efficient--the fan comes on less when sitting
in traffic.

Bottom line: I don't think it's all that meaningful to compare temp gauge
readings between different Vanagons. If the gauge gives a relatively steady
reading somewhere in the middle of its range, then the system is working as
designed.

MM

At 09:29 PM 8/3/98 -0700, Marty Wallace wrote:
>For what it's worth:
>
>On the HOTTEST days, my '84 Vanagon (with a complete new cooling system
>10,000 miles ago) temperature gauge runs with the "upper" edge of the
>needle just flush at the "lower" edge of the LED.  That is, if it were to
>go any higher at all, it would begin to cover the LED.  This is quite a
>bit lower than Mark and Ari's vans are running.
>
>Keeping in mind that I live in the north central Sacramento Valley in
>California, where temperatures are typically 100+ deg F (40+ deg C) every
>day in the summer, my Vanagon is running MUCH cooler.
>
>Do others have this same experience?  Or am I really, really lucky!?!?
>
>
>
>
>
>---Mark McCulley <raven@HALCYON.COM> wrote:
>>
>> At 06:40 PM 8/3/98 -0700, Ari Ollikainen wrote:
>> >Typically the needle reaches a needle width
>> >beyond the LED when the either fan speed cuts in. It's still
>> >thereabouts when either fan speed cuts out. Is this normal?
>> That's pretty much what I've observed on my van. Soon after the fan cuts
>> out, the needle drifts back down to its normal position.
>>
>> MM
>>
>
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