Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1998 15:23:02 EDT
Reply-To: Monjuli@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Monika Besser <Monjuli@AOL.COM>
Subject: radiator question And warning light
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Thanks for the replys which I received regarding my pleas for a replacement
radiator for my '87 Vanagon. The mystery of the so-called radiator "for an
automatic transmission" has finally been solved. IT IS NON-EXISTANT!
Volkswagen builds one radiator for the Vanagons, ...and that is that. The
whole confusion arose, when my new radiator was missing the two threaded hose
connections on the lower lefthand side. These were determined to be "the
connections to the cooling unit for the automatic transmission". This was the
diagnosis from "a real expert", hmmm??; I am not an expert, but was
desperately anxious to put the new radiator in and become mobile again.
Meanwhile, I have learned, that the cooling unit for the ATF is mounted
directly onto the transmission. The confusion arose, because the condenser
for the air conditioner, was mounted to the old radiator and which had the
threaded connections. The AC unit is disconnected, so that the condenser is
no longer necessary. So now I capped the two hoses and tied them securely in
place. But, I had used the air conditioner vents for added fresh air supply
during driving; to continue this, don't the hoses have to be connected to the
condenser? ...it would seem so. What a shame, that all my newly aquired
skills will be wasted, for where will I have a chance to use this new skill
again?
All that remains for me to do, is to replace the cooling fluid (distribution)
tee piece. This should alleviate the incontinence and I should be ready to
roar; ups, I meant to say "meander"; this is not the Autobahn.
Here is a warning / suggestion to barryfreed@WA.NET: I, too, have had to
contend with an ever more persistent warning light, but found the engine to be
hot. Yet, the coolant fluid was initially at a stable level; my mechanic
checked all other imaginable troublespots, yet the problem became ever more
prevalent. The culprit was finally detected: I insisted that the radiator be
checked / flushed, only to find out, that the gasket in the baffle was kaput
so that the coolant fluid was unable to circulate through the whole radiator;
this explains why the fan did not come on automatically and why the whole
system was overheated. Yesterday, I installed the new radiator (which in
itself was a learning experience (see above!).
What is truly amazing to me, is the number of people who keep telling me, that
I should get rid of this old thing. The new (rebuilt) engine has only 38,000
mi on it, the body is in very nice shape except for one small "chink" thanks
to my daughter(!). Furthermore, a sedan would never allow the easy
transportation of two bicycles, or what-, whoever just needs to be transported
or chauffeured. Besides, the unique cameraderie that exists between Vanagon
drivers is extra nice ....just imagine, Caddy drivers exchanging friendly
waves or, heaven forbit, smiling at each other. Ahh well, we "Vanni"-drivers
are simply a special breed of friendly people!!! Monika at
Monjuli@AOL.com. Thanks y'all.
presently own 87Vanagon
previously owned: 84Vanagon
78 Squareback
70 Squareback
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