Anybody ever heard of a different and bigger radiator being fitted to a van?
The 1.9 diesel does produce prodigious amounts of heat, particualrly at higher rpm and particularly as the trubine starts choking and cylinder back-pressure goes up. VW's T3 solution was to change the diesel's cab floorpan, with a wider duct for better egress, and of course a more powerful 2-stage fan.
Interesting discussion, my mechanic mentioned installing an electric water pump from another VW (Corrodo, I think) to try to boost cooling. I am still waiting for the van to come back with the rebuilt turbo installed so I can start testing cooling again. I will post any results I get. And yup, I do have a front mount oil cooler with 1/2 inch hoses but I loose oil pressure when the oil gets hot. If I disconnect the cooler OP stays high. Any suggestions?
Provided the radiator is in decent condition, the weak link is always getting the heat out of the engine and to the radiator.
Interesting discussion, my mechanic mentioned installing an electric water pump from another VW (Corrodo, I think) to try to boost cooling. I am still waiting for the van to come back with the rebuilt turbo installed so I can start testing cooling again. I will post any results I get.