Agreed.  On my 90 GL last summer the fan sounded like a C-5 taking off.  It
was a series resistor.  Be sure to take in the old one when re-ordering.
The part number is not legible, but there is a visible difference.  I would
give my part number but it may not apply to your 86.  Mine is copper green
in colour, and has 3 wires.  You will know if it is bad, it will crumble in
your hands to touch.  Good luck
Tim

Dennis Haynes wrote:

> The low speed is not working.  Possibly a bad resistor.  The resistor is
> located behind the drivers side head lamp assembly.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Terry Ziniewicz <terryz@OLYWA.NET>
> To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
> Date: Wednesday, August 05, 1998 12:42 PM
> Subject: LOUD! cooling fan
>
> >The cooling fan on my 91' Westfalia is driving me nuts. When the fan
> >comes on it shakes the whole van. When I checked the motor and fan
> >everything looked fine. Has anyone else had this prob?
> >
> >Terry Z
> >http://www.olywa.net/terryz/vw.html