[Vwdiesel] *81 Rabbit overheating*

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/20/2007 7:59:37 AM Pacific Standard Time, rbp at 4u2bu.org 
writes:

> btw, what did anyone think about no pressure in the system ??
> can just unscrew the res cap, no waiting for pressure to abate
> ???
> this is not normal in my experience
> 
> also, I did feel the radiator
> upper part warm/hot, gradient down to cooler at the bottom
> also, lower rad hose cool, upper hot
> this indicates to me that t-stat no opening (yet?)
> 50mph driving, flat, 4th gear, @20°f out
> maybe not *quite* hot enough?
> or maybe new t-stat not working either?
> 

  I already DID mention that you may have a bad cap, 
which would lead to no pressure or way too much.  
You generally will only get a slight pfft when you 
remove the cap from a hot engine on these.  Not 
like a domestic car with lots of spewing, bubbling, 
etc.
  If you're running a 92C stat, marginal coolant mix and 
no pressure in the system, you very well could end up 
with the stat not opening.  BTDT.  Good pressure and 
no coolant (hot flush) will do the same.  I concluded that 
there were hot enough spots here and there to make 
enough water vapor to insulate the stat from the hot 
water and keep it from opening. That or air lock and 
these just don't air lock that easily once properly filled.
  That's what led me back to an 87C stat.  Shouldn't 
happen again but it did once or twice and that was 
enough.
     Loren


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