Date:         Fri, 26 Jan 2001 08:50:28 -0800
Reply-To:     Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Subject:      Re: where should temp guage needle sit?/was Re: New thermostat...
Comments: To: Oxroad@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> This brings up that endless list debate about the temp gauge needle. Since
> the new radiator was installed in my Vanagon my temp gauge needle sits
just
> inside the "safe" operating zone on the gauge but below, even I would say
> well below the LED warning light. If Stephen's needle sits just above the
LED
> wouldn't that imply his bus is running much hotter than mine.

Maybe. But not necessarily. Notice there are no temperature numbers on the
face of the gauge.... the sender/gauge system is analogue; it is not meant
to indicate a specific temperature.... senders can vary at time of
manufacture, with a different production run, or over the years as they
age.... so there is some room for vatiation.... it could be that one Van
with the needle just above the LED is running at the same temperture as
another with its needle just below the LED...

I mean my radiator fan comes on when
> the needle gets up to about the center of the LED, so the needle rarely
gets
> above the LED warning light except in extreme conditions, and then sits
JUST
> above the LED.

My 90 WEsty Syncro runs at or slightly above the LED... the fan doesn't come
on (not considering A/C) until the needle is well above the LED... like
maybe at 3/4 of the way from the bottom peg to the top.... this only happens
with the Westy fully loaded and going up long steep grades in summer
heat....  I don't think my coolant has ever boiled...

Bill