Problem with engine overheating.

There is a thermo-control switch in the radiator that is likely at fault. Also, there's a pretty complex procedure when filling the cooling system. The nose of the vehicle has to be raised up almost 2 feet to allow air in the system to collect at the radiator...there's a bleed petcock there to open and let the air out. Takes some work. Also, don't skimp on the antifreeze...get the pink stuff. The Vanagon engines are aluminum heads mated to a magnesium block....this make for a lot of corrosion...so use the the right antifreeze...and flush it every two years. I got alot of my help with my 1986 Vanagon from the website Vanagon.com. You should check them out...soon. PS. The worst part about repeated overheats and using cheap antifreeze is the cylinder heads will adhere to the engine block...you don't want that. Best of luck.

Also, invest in a Bentley manual...and/or find a good VW mechanic.

I do have the VW Repair Manual on this vehicle, it came with the van when we bought it in Montana. I did look at the thermo-control in the book last night. I will look into replacing the thermo-control unit. The van ran great for 1 week after replacing the water pump and theromstat, very interesting procedure about refilling the fluids. Your response was very helpful. Thanks.

Anytime...don't forget to check out Vanagon.com I got immense help from folks on there.

Helping my friend fix her 1991 vanagon the battery is getting shocked and is shorting out if you have had any thing happen to you van please tell me some places to check I am not use to working volkswagons