All,
I had just started into the 60,000 mile maintenance service and have
come across something you all should check out.
Before flushing the coolant, I decided to checkout the "Thermostat
control for shutters" [I'll call it the device]. Its mounted between
the electric fans. Its a simple device, air passes through the
radiator then hits the radiator cowl. The electric fans are mounted to
the cowling. There is a small hole, about .6" x 1", that allows air to
pass through, exposing the device to warm air. Curious about how it
operated, I took the hair dryer out and ran it for a while directing
the hot air on the device. Nothing happened. After several more
minutes, it finally moved, but not enough to open the shutters.
When closed, the shutters seal off the opening behind the electric
fans. If they stay closed, the electric fans are next to useless in
drawing air through the radiator! In fact, when you're driving, very
little air will pass through the radiator because there is no where for
the air to go.
I next took the 2 screws out holding the device to the cowling and
removed it. I could easily open each shutter - they stay open without
the device inplace to close them. Curious, I took the van out for a
quick spin. The engine warmed up like before, but it didn't get up
close to the 230 mark. The temp was reading about 2 notches below
where it had always ran, or about 34 degrees cooler! When I bought
the van last year, it was reading near the 230 mark. I always thought
the gauge was off and never paid attention to the high temp reading.
I have since ordered a new device, VWN701121183A, for $53.24 - it came
in a few days ago. I ran a bench test with it using the hair dryer.
Within 2 minutes on low speed holding the dryer about 6" away, it
quickly rotated the arms that would have opened the shutters. This
confirms the old part was bad.
I waited to post this until I confirmed the old part was bad. I
strongly suggest ALL 5 cyl EV owners checkout the operation of this
device (you VR6 engine owners don't have this device). All you have to
do is open the hood after driving the van (it has to be fully warmed
up)and feel the back of the electric fan/shutters (make sure the engine
is off, and don't pole your fingers into the shutter openings, the
electric fans can come on and ruin your day). You will know if the
shutters are open. If you want to see the device open the shutters,
just use a hair dryer.
You should check this because the coolant temp affects several things:
1. Engine operating temp - on a very hot day you probably have very
little cooling margin. This could be very serious if you tow something.
2. The automatic transmission (AT) fluid is "cooled" by the engine
coolant via the transmission cooler. I'm sure the AT/fluid would last
longer if it operated at the right temp.
3. The engine oil is also cooled by the engine coolant via the oil
cooler. I'm sure the engine/oil would last longer if it didn't operate
this hot.
4. There could be other side affects (AC compressor running hotter,
fuel lines being exposed to higher under hood temps?)
All of you who check the operation of there device, can you post if it
works or not. I will try to post a piture of the device tomorrow.
Jerry
