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Mon Nov 09, 2020 1:54 pm

I recently replaced my water pump, thermostat, radiator and fan switch in my 83 westfalia, and it is still running warm about in the 5/8 range. It’s not overheating, but after minutes of idling the radiator is still ice cold where the hoses in the engine bay are quite warm. HELP! I’ve tried bleeding with the go westy pump and I’m not quite sure that is helping.

Mon Nov 09, 2020 2:09 pm

FWIW, although it is more normal to read 1/2 when up to normal operating temp, 5/8 on the gauge does not indicate an issue. Have you tested what temperature the coolant is when the gauge is reading 5/8?

Mon Nov 09, 2020 2:40 pm

I have read that as well and I will check the temperature. It just amazes me that the radiator is cold. I suppose my main OCD fear is that compared to my 90 Carat which is in the 1/4 range this thing seems way hot. I may just be freaking out.

Mon Nov 09, 2020 2:44 pm

Idling, it takes forever for a WBX to get the radiator too hot to touch. Once it gets to temp, the radiator fan should start to cycle on and off.

I would maybe raise the idle to 2000 and let it go sitting still and give it some more time get the heat forward. Once the heat does get there, let the fan cycle a few times.

If you don't eventually get heat, you've got a circulation problem like some air left in the system or possibly a stuck thermostat. I wouldn't drive it till I verified the above.

Mon Nov 09, 2020 3:01 pm

Are you getting any coolant at the front of the van? W the bleeder open and the GW tool there should be coolant pushing through. Or air if nothing else.

Mon Nov 09, 2020 3:07 pm

Yes, and the lower radiator hoses are full, one is hot and the other is cold. When I crack the bleed screw coolant is present.

Mon Nov 09, 2020 3:09 pm

Thanks Mark, I’ll give it some time to really warm up and double check it.

Mon Nov 09, 2020 3:38 pm

I'd feel more concern about running 1/4 on the gauge when hot than from running 5/8.

Mon Nov 09, 2020 9:59 pm

I recently replaced the my failed fan resistor and for PM I replaced the fan switch and also the fan (didn't want to be stranded in the Vegas heat). After replacing I wanted to make sure everything was working properly and it took about 20 mins in my garage with no air flow through the front of the van to get the fan to turn on.