My vanagon has stopped pumping water?  All water lines appear hot in engine compartment, lukewarn under-car, etc. with my front heater having no heat and the radiator cool on all sides?  I have brief moments of heat in my front area and at those times my temp. appears "better".
    -What would make my water pump not pump?  It's still intact.....
    -Could an air bubble in my system cause this or would that work itself out enough to insure that I had alittle water to the front of my radiator. 
    -Would a water Vanagon system needing bleeding be enough to have my water pump not pump?  if so, would this likely burn up my older style water pump (1.9l) ?
    -Stuck shut thermostat is my guess...but is that all I need to concern myself w/ at this time?
    -My temp. rises quickly and stays above water level light on dash.  
    -At what point to you cause "damage" to these vanagon engines?  Over the years, I have driven a good distance "slightly above that water level light on dask) while trying to figure out best approach to fix my engine.  This is a new  issue I am trying to get handle on and avoid major issue by not handling.....

Thanks for any and all insights.....

Larry 
Georgia