Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2013 10:18:12 -0700
Reply-To: Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: [WetWesties] Cooling System - On & Off Problem
In-Reply-To: <CAH32RNYU=-Wnk-X=twAYeKM-vWAQBzAbCMCAhj_6vCWQAdH5DQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hello Linda,
You're overheating problem could be in any number of areas where there
could possibly
be a coolant leak or other cooling system related issue. I found the
following vanagon rescue
squad folks (a list of folks willing to help stranded or traveling vanagon
folks) that might be
able to help you. The closest ones are 75 miles from the Yellowstone zip
code 82190. I
suggest calling one of them and see if they can direct you to a place to be
towed and have
your van fixed properly so you can continue on your trip. You may even
get some help
diagnosing the problem which may be a relatively easy fix. The fact that
your fan wasn't
coming on was probably a big cause to further straining the cooling
system. Here is the
list of folks that you can contact:
You are in* YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WY*
*Your Latitude:* 44.795733 N
*Your Longitude:* 110.613731 W *
Now looking out 100 miles from you.* Displaying 3 closest volunteers in
or near 82190. *Bob Waters* BOZEMAN, MT 59715 * Phone: 406-587-1333* *
Email:* bobwaters28@msn.com *Comments:* I have a good deal of backyard
mechanic experience plus tools, ramps, jacks and a double gagage (not
heated). I've been working on my own VWs for over 30 years. I'm no expert,
but I can be of some assistance with many problems. Located 75 Miles from
you.Near: 45.81 N 111.17 W
------------------------------
*Barton Churchill* BOZEMAN, MT 59715 * Phone: 406 585 9484* *Email:*
bartonchurchill@hotmail.com *Comments:* I have owned a syncro westy for 9
years and have turned nearly every bolt. I have a pretty good shop setup,
tools, etc. I would be glad to offer help to any fellow vanagon owner, but
I don't have room for vanagon storage. Located in downtown Bozeman. Located
75 Miles from you.Near: 45.81 N 111.17 W
------------------------------
*Jeremy Best* VICTOR, ID 83455 * Phone: (208)787-9087* *Email:*
damechanic666@yahoo.com *Comments:* I offer all mechanical repairs for the
water-cooled vanagon......have built stroker air-cooled engines....rebuild
carbs.....service all conversions....bostig..subaru..diesel..ticco...fully
tooled auto repair facility.....cheers Jeremy Located 84 Miles from you.Near:
43.64 N 111.13 W
------------------------------
Hope this helps!
Steven
91 Westy
On Sun, Aug 4, 2013 at 8:58 AM, Loren Busch <starwagen@gmail.com> wrote:
> Respond to ORIGINAL sender!!!! '85 Westy cooling problems.
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Linda <goingslo@yahoo.com>
> Date: Sun, Aug 4, 2013 at 8:43 AM
> Subject: [WetWesties] Cooling System - On & Off Problem
> To: wetwesties@yahoogroups.com
>
>
> I've been a lurker on this site for years and finally retired to do some
> road trips in my 1985 Westy, 85,000 original miles.
>
> Forgive me if this is more than just a 'camping question' although I am on
> a camping trip.
>
> I'm currently on a road trip from Los Osos (home of the famed GoWesty) and
> made it into Nevada without an issue. In Great Basin National Park I got
> into a gridlock situation, the fan did not come on and the van overheated,
> blowing coolant and water, and sending steam out the rear vents.
>
> After cooling down, I added anti-freeze, let the van sit for the night in
> cool temperatures then started it up the next morning. The temperature
> gauge flew to the 'hot' side and the red lite blinked like crazy. The
> engine had to be cool after sitting the night. A friend suggested I coast
> down hill even with the blinking light which I did. And I was surprised
> when the light and gauge returned to normal.
>
> I drove several hundred miles without incident and saw a mechanic in Salt
> Lake City, Utah. He found a blown fuse (#7) which he replaced (giving me
> four extras for the road) in case the problem went deeper than the fuse.
>
> Again I drove 100+ miles to Yellowstone National Park where the temperature
> gauge and red light again came on. Not knowing if it might be a false
> warning I pulled over and checked the fuse (it was good), poked my finger
> in the reservoir where I found the water extra warm but not scalding. I
> drove another mile and steam began coming out the rear vents and by the
> time I pulled over, it was coming from under the rear of the van, too.
>
> I waited for it to cool, then limped, mile by mile, stopping to cool-off
> every mile or so, until I reached Old Faithful where there was a repair
> shop. Unfortunately the mechanics are quite a bit younger than my Westy
> and their comment to me was "We don't have very good luck fixing Vanagons".
> I'm currently waiting in the lobby of Snow Lodge to hear what they have to
> say after looking at my much-loved Mr. Big.
>
> If any of you have experienced similar problems or symptoms with your vans,
> I'd be most appreciative if you could offer any suggestions.
>
> Auto Club won't help as long as I'm inside the limits of the park.
> They said to get a local tow company to tow me outside the limits then they
> could tow me elsewhere. So if you know of a Westy mechanic in the Wyoming
> area, I'd like to hear of them as well.
>
> Thanks for any help you might offer...suggestions welcome!
>
> Linda Tanner
>
>
>
>
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