vw 1988 transporter called velma overheating

[twindub1]

Hi All,
Having problems with my 1988 1.9l water cooled transporter. She keeps over heating,when touching the pipes towards rad they are cold,however the pipes in engine are warm. replaced thermostat and temperature sender. Put coolent in as none there.she starts ok but after about 10 mins begins to over heat. The tepmerature light is constantly flashing on the dash board.

Could this over heating be down to air bubbles?... Please Help....
Any Ideas?

Many Thanks

[kevtherev]

This is a general chat forum
try posting on the technical forum
jist a few clicks away

most answers will point you to the wiki and the search facility
my first question would be is it leaking out from anywhere and did you bleed the system like it says in the wiki

[ghost123uk]

Hi, as you are new here, here is a link to our "wiki" section on the cooling system = https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Co ... ing_system" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The temp light constantly flashing = there are 2 probes in the left hand coolant header tank. If the water is low in there (it should be full right to the top) then that will trigger the flashing LED.
Do you have Anti-freeze / coolant stuff in the system. Should be 50 / 50 Comma red (or similar) & water. (I have heard that the probes for low water level sensing do not work correctly in pure water)

And yes, these engines are prone to air locks in the cooling system, so bleeding it is the first thing to do. If that does not fix it then you need to consider the fact that the pipes leading to your rad are not getting warm. You have changed the stat, yep that is the thing to do there. Then I would check the water pump, though these rarely fail completely, they get weak or leak.

[twindub1]

Thanks for all your advise guys, I am new to these vehicles and appreciate all the help i can get my velma on the open road.
I will bleed the radiator, and do what is says, but may be back for more help...
There is also a problem that the radiator isnt coming on.. plus temp gauge not working... Does anyone have any remidies

[1664]

There is also a problem that the radiator isnt coming on.. plus temp gauge not working... Does anyone have any remidies

If you mean the radiator fan, then it is controlled by a 'stat and only runs when the water reaches a set temperature. Since your water isn't getting hot in places that's probably why it's not cutting in.
Bleed the system to clear all the air as described in the wiki and take it from there..........

[ghost123uk]

I will bleed the radiator, and do what is says, but may be back for more help...

plus temp gauge not working... Does anyone have any remidies

replaced thermostat and temperature sender.

I wonder if this is related ?
Was the temp gauge working before you changed the sender ?
Which sender did you change, there are 2 on the plastic stat housing.
Easy to check the gauge, just briefly earth the feed wire that goes to the sender on the stat housing and the gauge should move over to the HOT end. ( I cannot remember which sender is which off the top of my head = anyone ? )

[twindub1]

Temp gauge never worked. Replaced temp sender below thermostat.
Also have issue with blowers in that when i turn on blowers, or move selecters to hot or cold the 20amp fuse blows in fuse board... Really confused now
Are these vw caravelle/transporters always like this.
Waiting for a new coolent hose to arrive.
Does anyone know where i can get a new exhaust system complete for a 1988 1.9l caravelle

[matt]

I'd be hot under the collar if I was called Velma .......

Change it to Velle and it'll be fine

[ghost123uk]

Temp gauge never worked. Replaced temp sender below thermostat.
Also have issue with blowers in that when i turn on blowers, or move selecters to hot or cold the 20amp fuse blows in fuse board... Really confused now

Re moving the selector levers for the heat, that has got to be a simple case of a bit of metal moving over and touching a bit of wire that has worn it's plastic insulation off I would guess.

Re the actual blower = has it ever worked since you got the van ?
They a are prone to seizing up and then blowing fuses = big job = dash out (might be summat simpler though, so check around before considering taking the whole dash out)

Are these vw caravelle/transporters always like this.

Yes until you get all the niggles out of them then they are fine, until some more niggles come along

Does anyone know where i can get a new exhaust system complete for a 1988 1.9l caravelle

Best place for all your T25 bits is = http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; He / They have a VERY good reputation on here and elsewhere and their online shop is very efficient, you can even pay by PayPal

Other good place for Exhaust = http://www.eurocarparts.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; branches in most towns - Read up on changing exhausts as it can be a bit of a swine of a job.
You WILL need = PlusGas releasing spray ( NOTE = NOT WD40 !) and a full set of NEW nuts, bolts, studs and gaskets, available as a "fitting kit" from both of the above.

Is yours early or late exhaust (2 pipes attached to silencer or just 1) ? (big difference in price)