Because of cold temps like these and much colder, I used a lighter weight
oil (5W30) in my 85. But left this light weight oil in for around town
driving and when the HIGH temp never reaches zero F. The temp needle stays a
little below normal. Putting cardboard in to block the radiator cooling,
IMHO, made no difference on the vanagon. One thing I did find out was that
when the HIGH temp is -10 - -40F our vans make a lot of noise as if in a lot
of pain.

Bill  V.                 "I'd Rather Be Hiking The
'82 CA Westy [FreeBird]       Greater Yellowstone"
"Famous Potatoes"

> Well, in Winnipeg we woke up to some Frosty temps this morning (-30C
> about -22F ) and alot of snow.  Went out to start the van and after some
> troubles it started (I think I need thinner oil).  As I was driving around
> this morning running my errands I noticed that the temperature needle
> never went into 'normal' range.  Normally my needle sits right on the
> light, this morning it never even touched it.  The van got warm inside,
> but it wasn't great.  The rear heater threw a fair amount of heat and the
> front was pathetic, even throwing cold air.  It also was warmer on the
> passenger side than the drivers side.
>
> Should I be placing a piece of cardboard in front of my radiator?  Should
> I insulate the heater hoses.  Obviously the thermostat works, I was told
> that there is no warmer thermostat available.
>
> Also, when I turned on my gas heater, I got alot of moisture inside the
> van, is this normal?
>
> Gregor Brandt
>
> I'd rather be rock climbing.
>