[Vwdiesel] *more 81 Rabbit adventures*

[Rolf Pechukas]

thanks for all the suggestions, guys
- I will double-check the actual temps pronto
- will also test the old thermostat
- I will also feel radiator all over to make sure coolant is getting  
to it and circulating through it
- I will also check lower rad hose for 'collapse'


observations since t-stat replacement:

- have not seen red temps, but I have not been on highway yet
stable high temp running 40-50 mph on local roads in 4th is about 2.5  
white lines before the red on dash gauge

- this is indeed a 'stable' high temp
have not seen wild fluctuations, or boiling over (although running  
into the red on hwy last wk did see steam, and low/no levels in  
reservoir)(that was on old t-stat)

*NOTE: I do NOT seem to have significant pressure in the cooling system
I can remove reservoir cap w/o geyser, or even hiss of pressure, when  
system is HOT
THAT should give you guys a major clue

- again, no sign of combustion product or CO2 in coolant
coolant is as green as the day it was made, and no gasses or bubbling  
in reservoir

- radiator was apparently replaced by PO, who seems to have done most  
of the obvious stuff to address overheating condition

- I agree that there is some kind of restriction or flow problem
my guess:
I do not have a head gasket breach
but I do have some kind of leak or block that is preventing flow/ 
cooling/pressurizing of the system outside the engine
system acting like it has partial flow past the t-stat now
will double-check the 4 things above and post back later

thanks all
--

Rolf in MA